With the restoration of the historic Holy Church of Saint Charalambos of the Community of Bebek on the Bosphorus, PeopleCert continues its initiatives to support the Greek community in Constantinople.
The project was carried out with a donation from the founder and chairman of the PeopleCert Group, Vyron Nikolaidis, while the sacred inauguration took place in the presence of His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, representatives of the Greek community, the ecclesiastical and community life of the City, and a multitude of faithful.
The ceremony marked the completion of an extensive restoration project, which aimed to preserve the historic church and ensure its continuity as a living place of faith and reference for Romiosyne, today and for future generations.
Referring to the significance of the project, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized: “This church was renovated not to remain a beautiful monument of the past, but to be a living church of the living God”.
His All-Holiness described the offering as an act of faith and trust in the future of the Greek community in the City, noting: “This pious and patriotic act is not simply a generous sponsorship. It is a confession of faith, an act of trust in the future of our Greek community here in the City”.
Church and Education, the two pillars of the Greek community
The Founder and Chairman of the PeopleCert Group, Mr. Nikolaidis, focused on the decisive role of the Church and Education in shaping and preserving the identity of Romiosyne.
For him, the relationship with the Church is deeply personal, since, as he said, he chanted for twelve years: four in the parish of Chalcedon and eight at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Equally close is his relationship with Education, as he is the child of two teachers.
Highlighting the importance of these two pillars for the continuity of the Greek community, Mr. Nikolaidis stressed: “Every open church and every living school declare that Romiosyne continues to live in the City”.
As he explained, the aim of the restoration was not simply the renovation of a historic church, but its preservation as a living place of faith: a church in which the vigil lamps will be lit, the Divine Liturgy will be heard, and people will feel that they still belong to it.
Mr. Nikolaidis also emphasized that the more than 40 initiatives implemented by PeopleCert for the Greek community in the City and in Athens constitute a small contribution to the collective effort of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, SY.R.K.I., the communities, the schools, the teachers, the Greek community press, and all the institutions of the Greek community for the continuity, renewal, and growth of the Constantinopolitan Romiosyne.
“Romiosyne persisted in fulfilling its sacred duty”
His Eminence Metropolitan of Kydonies Mr. Athenagoras, Hierarchical Head of the Bosphorus Region, referred to the timeless devotion of Romiosyne to safeguarding its sacred sites, noting: “Saint Charalambos called, in his own unique way, a faithful child of the Church, Chalcedonian by origin, Mr. Vyron Nikolaidis, from whom he asked that he secretly clothe his house with a new garment, like purple and fine linen. In this way, Mr. Nikolaidis became a benefactor of our Community and will be remembered with gratitude forever”.
Subsequently, the Ecumenical Patriarch unveiled the commemorative plaque placed in the church, which records its renovation through the donation of Mr. Vyron Nikolaidis.
A historic landmark on the Bosphorus
The President of the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Community of Bebek – Holy Church of Saint Charalambos, Andreas Robopoulos, focused on the centuries-long history of Saint Charalambos and its enduring role for the Community and the Romiosyne of the Bosphorus.
Focusing on the scope and quality of the works, Mr. Robopoulos stressed that the project was not limited to superficial interventions, but constituted substantial maintenance of the historic church:
“We did not go with an easy coat of paint to cover up what existed, but our church was truly preserved, which in any case has been a jewel since the time it was built”.
Extensive restoration and upgrade project
The project included extensive construction, architectural, and electromechanical interventions, with respect for the historic character and the liturgical nature of the church.
Particular emphasis was placed on the repair and insulation of the roof, the restoration of the distinctive circular roof above the Sanctuary, as well as work in the Sanctuary and on the iconostasis. The reconstruction of the women’s gallery and the internal staircase, the repair of the choir stalls, and the conservation of the church icons by a specialized team of conservators were also carried out.
The works extended to the entrances, gates, and outdoor areas, while the electrical and plumbing installations were upgraded and maintenance and interior painting interventions were completed.
More than 40 initiatives for Romiosyne
PeopleCert’s initiatives for the Greek community are developed around two fundamental pillars: support for the Church and Education.
The first pillar includes the steady support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the restoration of historic churches, and the strengthening of social and community institutions. Among the relevant actions is the full restoration of the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos of the Community of Balino, where the “Revival of the Acoustics of Hagia Sophia” is hosted.
In collaboration with Professor Jonathan Abel of Stanford University, the project reconstructs the iconic acoustics of Hagia Sophia, keeping alive an invaluable cultural and spiritual treasure.
In the pillar of Education are included the PeopleCert Scholarship Program “Honoring our Constantinopolitan Teachers” and the Program “Strengthening Education in the City”. More than 100 children in the City and on Imbros attended over 600 hours of English language instruction and obtained their first certification. From the new school year, the free English lessons continue and the teaching of the Greek language is being added, an integral part of the identity and continuity of Romiosyne.