The Patriarchate has made its decision! The fate of the Greek Orphanage in Büyükada has been determined

The Fener Greek Patriarchate has decided to convert the historical Greek Orphanage building in Büyükada, which has been out of use for years, into a hotel.

The decision regarding the fate of the building was discussed at the meeting of the Holy Synod Council, the decision-making body of the Patriarchate, and the result was announced with the following statements:

"On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Greek Patriarchate of Istanbul, in its regular meeting, discussed the intensive work carried out to date regarding the future of the Büyükada Greek Orthodox Orphanage building and the possibilities and opportunities for the restoration of this historical building to our city, after detailed information was provided by one of the opinion leaders of our society, Mr. Laki Vingas.

In the 1960s, immediately after its cessation, many attempts and countless efforts to find financing for the restoration of the wooden Orphanage complex, which had fallen victim to time and suffered serious damage, were unfortunately unsuccessful. Thereupon, His Beatitude the Patriarch and the members of the Holy Synod, after examining the function determination reports prepared by the Patriarchate, unanimously decided to take the necessary initiatives to develop tourism activities in the area in question, in accordance with the architectural and social character of the island, with care for the environment and in compliance with ecological building standards.

The decision in question was taken with respect for the legacy of the Greek Orphanage, which has served the needs of the community for many years, and with the belief that it will contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of the Princes' Islands.

Concrete steps towards the implementation of this decision will be taken in the coming days under the leadership of an expert committee to be determined by our Patriarchate."