It is impossible not to feel some satisfaction at this positive and promising development for the Ecumenical Patriarchate: the signing of the agreement on June 15, 2026, with two leading companies—one Turkish and one Greek—for the conversion of the long-abandoned Prinkipos Orphanage into a high-end hotel.
It was about time. Indeed, one could argue that the project has been delayed for far too long since the historic building was recovered and returned to the Ecumenical Patriarchate after years of unjust confiscation by the Turkish state.
The decision to redevelop the property as a hotel is, in my view, the correct one. Most importantly, it has the potential to generate meaningful revenue for the Patriarchate. For decades, financial support has flowed from Greece and the Greek Diaspora to sustain the Mother Church in Constantinople. If this project succeeds, it may help ease at least part of that burden while creating a sustainable source of income for future generations.
The importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate cannot be overstated. It is the historic Mother Church, rooted in Constantinople and carrying centuries of theological, ecclesiastical, and cultural heritage. Every visit to the City reinforces that reality for me. Having traveled there dozens of times over the years, I have witnessed firsthand both its grandeur and its struggles.
I especially recall the years of Patriarch Demetrios, whose humility, gentleness, and spiritual presence earned him universal respect. He guided the Church quietly and prayerfully, and his example remains instructive today.
The redevelopment of the Orphanage should therefore be viewed not merely as a business venture but as an effort to preserve and strengthen one of Orthodoxy’s most important institutions.
That said, the announcement of the agreement raises several questions.
According to the official communiqué, the agreement was signed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Mr. Serdar Bilgili of Bilgili Holding, in the presence of Mrs. Costanza Sbokou-Konstantakopoulou of ENSOFI Holding. Also present was Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who chaired the special committee that studied and finalized the agreement, along with Archon Grand Chartophylax Panteleimon Vingas and other officials.
The role of Archbishop Makarios naturally invites discussion. As chairman of the committee, he clearly played a significant part in the process. Nevertheless, some may wonder why such a responsibility was entrusted to a hierarch serving in Australia rather than to clergy based in Turkey and more directly connected to local realities and legal considerations. Whether justified or not, the question is likely to be asked.
Ultimately, however, the success or failure of the project will not depend on who sat at the signing table. It will depend on execution, financing, and the ability of all parties involved to transform a decaying landmark into a viable and sustainable enterprise.
By all accounts, the undertaking will require enormous resources and considerable commitment. Yet if completed successfully, it could become one of the most significant developments for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in recent decades.
For that reason alone, the project deserves congratulations—and sincere wishes for success.
The Mother Church has endured far greater challenges throughout its long history. Let us hope that this effort, too, proves successful and contributes to its future stability and mission.na
