NURTURING THE SOUL AND THE SOIL

An initiative of the ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
In partnership with the American Farm School of Thessaloniki
and the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC

In May 2026, Halki Summit VII will assemble distinguished academics, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Thessaloniki, Greece, for a conversation on ecological responsibility through the lens of the intrinsic connection between people and the land. By uniting perspectives across religion, academia, and commerce, the summit aims to foster collaborative solutions for sustainable living grounded in human dignity and care for creation.

This marks the first time that the Halki Summit will be held outside of Istanbul, and the American Farm School was selected as the venue for participants to engage in discussion on its beautiful campus. Both the Theological School of Halki and the American Farm School are historic educational institutions that have actively sought to nurture the soul and the soil since their founding in 1844 and 1904 respectively. As such, one of the objectives of Halki Summit VII will be to raise awareness and inspire stewardship among people of all ages and leaders across all sectors of society.

Program

SUNDAY, May 24, 2026

Arrivals

19:00-21:00 | VIP Welcome Dinner

• Hosted by the President of AFS

MONDAY, May 25, 2026

08:30-09:00 | Registration & Coffee

9:15-10:00 | Opening Ceremony

• Welcome Remarks & Keynote Address by HAH Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

10:00-11:30 | Panel One

• “A Seed’s Journey: Nurturing the Soil, Nurturing the Soul”
• Exploring the shared purpose of farmers and spiritual leaders in cultivating responsibility, care, and enlightenment in the next generation. Highlighting innovative approaches to early learning, sustainable agriculture, and environmental education.

11:30-11:45 | Break

11:45-13:15 | Panel Two

• “Achieving Sustainability, Balance, and Compassion in Society”
• Cultivating sustainable societies through cross-sector support—education, government, and business.

13:15-15:00 | Lunch Break

15:00-16:30 | Panel Three

• “Healing the Wounds of the Earth and Humanity: Addressing Legacy Problems”
• Exploring personal, societal, and environmental remediations and ethical considerations for a sustainable world.

16:30-17:00 | Closing Remarks from Day One

17:00-19:00 | AFS Farm Experience

• Tractor ride and guided tour: farm, winery, brewery, USDA facility
• Farm-to-Table Dinner
• Cultural Event

TUESDAY, May 26, 2026

09:00–09:30 | Morning Welcome & Coffee

09:30–11:00 | Student Presentations

• Student insights and responses

11:00–11:15 | Break

11:15–13:00 | Roundtable Discussion

• Where do we go from here? Cross-Sectoral Conversation

13:00–14:00 | Closing Remarks and Press Q&A

14:00–15:30 | Lunch & Free Time

17:00–19:30 | Optional Cultural Tour

• Thessaloniki: A Crossroads of Faith and History
• Guided walk through interfaith monuments of Hellenistic, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish significance.

19:30 | Dinner by the Bay

• Closing celebration