Protocol of cooperation between the Patriarchal Academy of Crete – Volyn Theological Academy of Ukraine
On Monday, 2 June 2025, an official visit was made to the Higher Patriarchal Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete by the Rector of the Orthodox Theological Academy of Volyn, Protopresbyter Volodymyr Vakin, accompanied by Protopresbyter Vladislav Fulmes, Vice-Rector, Protopresbyter Victor Pusko, Professor of the said Academy, Mr. Sergei Mostynets, Member of the Local Administration of the city of Lutsk (capital of the Volyn Region) and benefactor of the Volyn Theological Academy, and Mr. Vasilios Prous, doctoral candidate at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as a translator.
The purpose of the visit was to jointly confirm the cooperation between the two institutions, through the signing of a relevant Protocol. Rector Fr. Volodymyr Vakin and his entourage were welcomed by the President of the Academic Council of the Patriarchal Academy, Associate Professor Michael Stroumpakis, followed by the Director of the Priestly Studies Program, Associate Professor Protopresbyter Fr. Augustinos Bairahtaris. The meeting was also attended by the Professors and lecturers of the Academy, Associate Professor Mr. Emmanouil Doundoulakis, Associate Professor Mr. Christoforos Arvanitis, Dr. Emmanouil Androulidakis, Member of the Academic Council of the Patriarchal Academy, the Archon Maistor of the Great Church of Christ and member of the Academic Council Mr. Andreas Giakoumakis, the Deputy Secretary of the Higher Patriarchal Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete, Ms. Georgia Kongchylaki, the Academy lecturers Dr. Georgios Samourakis, Dr. Georgios Tserevelakis, MS Stavros Mazonakis and MS Nikolaos Moschonas. The president of the Higher Patriarchal Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete students, Mr. Efthymios Triantafyllidis, was present with a student delegation.
The President of the Academy, Mr. Michael Stroumpakis, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, confirmed the strong will of the Patriarchal Academy to cooperate with the Volyn Theological Academy, both at the academic and scientific level, as well as in mutual exchanges and visits of Professors and students. He also emphasised that the two Academies are united under the auspices of the Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the venerable person of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who actively encourages and cultivates love and cooperation between the Orthodox Churches and their educational institutions. Finally, he wished for an end to the bloody war, so that the works of peace and progress may flourish.
The Rector of the Volyn Theological Academy, Father Volodymyr Vakin, after giving thanks for the warm welcome, referred to the cooperation and the ways of its implementation, to the common links of the persons who work tirelessly for the unity and development of ecclesiastical and academic relations, and finally wished for an end to the war in order for this cooperation to develop without hindrance.
Afterwards, the Protocol of cooperation between the two Academies was signed, establishing the formal agreement in a climate of sincere trust and a common vision the further cultivation of theological studies. At the end, gifts (publications of the Academies) were exchanged on both sides and a traditional Cretan refreshment was offered.
