Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: “Prinkipo Orphanage is interwoven with our Community’s resilience”
“The restoration of the Prinkipo Orphanage, this architectural marvel, not only bears witness to the rich multicultural and religious history of Constantinople and the social and pastoral work provided by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to society but also underscores the importance of preserving the vast and diverse cultural heritage here in these holy lands,” expressed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his greeting to the participants of the working meeting.
The meeting took place at the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation on Saturday, 13 January 2024, and was organised on the initiative of the Representation of Europa Nostra in Turkey, in collaboration with the Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the preservation and restoration of this historic building. “This is why,” the Ecumenical Patriarch added, “we encourage open dialogue, cooperation, and shared commitment to ensure the future of the historic Greek Prinkipo Orphanage for future generations.”
In his speech, which he made in English, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred to the history of the Orphanage, which, as he said, “is deeply interwoven with the resilience of our Community here in Constantinople, especially during the difficult years of the previous century,” while referring to the efforts of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to restore the wooden building complex, while he also pointed out the financial difficulties of the project.
“In 2018, Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank rightfully acknowledged the Prinkipo Greek Orphanage as one of the seven most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe, highlighting its precarious situation. Additionally, over the years, we have endeavoured to encourage local and international partners to contribute to the preservation and restoration of the building, preventing further deterioration,” stressed the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Messages and greetings were conveyed by the head of Europa Nostra Turkey, Professor Yüksel Dinçer, Guy Clausse, Vice President of the Executive Board of Europa Nostra, and Kostas Stamatopoulos, member of the same pan-European organisation and Vice President of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Culture.
Speeches were made by distinguished scientists and experts from Turkey and abroad, who closely monitor the restoration of the Orphanage. Panteleimon Vigas, the coordinator of the relevant Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, also addressed the gathering.
His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, His Excellency Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, along with a large audience, attended the metting also.
Photographs: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate
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