The Prinkípou Orphanage is not an "orphan"

Archon Elias Damianakis and Archon Laki Vingas in the shadow of the Agia Sophia "Grand Mosque" Istanbul, Turkiye

Not to long ago I wrote What is an Archon ? I am. I should have said, Laki Vingas Archon Megas Hartofilax.
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He stands as one of Orthodoxy's sentinels: forging connections with all religions, reclaiming our heritage -stone by stone, and a beacon of inspiration for all Orthodox Christians to emulate. 

I am blessed to know Mr. Vingas, a true visionary and defender of Romiosini.

In a recent article the newspaper "Parapolitika"  Giorgos Kouvaras: Λάκης Βίγκας: Το Ορφανοτροφείο της Πριγκήπου δεν είναι «ορφανό» Here is a rough translation of that article.

​It has been five years since Europa Nostra included the Prince's Orphanage on its list of cultural monuments in danger. After systematic efforts of our expatriates and mainly with your own initiative and guidance, the final permit for its maintenance was approved. What happened between then and now?

Studies and topography, 3D digital scanning and architectural mapping of the building, the necessary actions to record the most dangerous and valuable parts of the Orphanage, as well as the acquisition of know-how and methodology for the preparation of the restoration project, have been mediated. In addition, the time-consuming meetings with competent bodies, our regular visits to state and municipal services, as well as the difficult approval procedures for tendering and holding a tender for the contractor of the first phase of the restoration work have intervened.
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All these efforts that have been made so far, is it an important step? Yes, I answer you without reservation. My concern is that, that important step has not been reached, which as Coordinator of the restoration project I would like to have happened. In other words, to hear the first sounds of the restoration crews that will finally break the long deafening silence of the area. And this saddens me, but also makes me stubborn at the same time.

Lakis Vigas receives the permit for the reconstruction of the auxiliary building and the partial restoration of the main building (Town Hall of the Principality, 23-12-2022).

We are talking about an important monument for Hellenism, which is also a leading monument of cultural heritage. What will its restoration mean? How do you plan for the future of this historic building?

The Prince's Orphanage is characterized as a monument, a symbol of the City, inextricably linked to the past of the Greek community in these lands. It reflects an intangible cultural heritage, it is our memories, history and culture, while it symbolizes charity, volunteering, care for orphans, the passing on of Greek education.

You know very well that, such emblematic buildings are not only part of the national heritage of the Genus, but they are "beacons and flags" whose exploitation and preservation declare a determination, since they thunder the presence of the remaining Roma people in the present and in the future. You therefore understand very well that its restoration is a matter of prestige for Homogenia and by extension for Hellenism. This particular building could be partially utilized as a global center to house environmental and interfaith initiatives of the Mother Church, or again in any other form or use.
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The point is to bring it back to life. To become operational and to be rebuilt with the specifications and certification of a modern "green" building, which we will pass on to future generations as a legacy.

Major news agencies visit the Prince Orphanage and inform their audience about its history and future.

​In the approximately half a century that the Orphanage remained confiscated by the Turkish state, until its final return to the Patriarchate, in 2009, was any rescue action recorded that could have prevented the collapse?

It has been 120 years since its inauguration, 60 years since its doors were arbitrarily sealed and 15 years since the ECtHR's decision to return it to Orthodox rule. We are therefore passing through a significant and anniversary year in the history of the long-suffering building.

During the years of its seizure, no rescue operations were recorded, but even in recent years, that is, since it was officially found again in our hands, we also did not manage to make any significant rescue intervention. Result: "the countdown timer of the collapse of the building has been activated" as the experts point out.
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We are now called no longer to renew commitments, but to minister to a great upheaval, doing not within our power, but by exceeding ourselves. Everyone's responsibility, its restoration, preservation and protection. Slow rhythms, indifference, interruptions have no place. Time is our greatest enemy.

From an update on the progress of the project at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

​Recently there has been a strong interest from the Greek State, which was also manifested by the communication of the PtD with the Ecumenical Patriarch. How can Greece help in this case?

I do not hide from you that the communication of the President of the Hellenic Republic with the Ecumenical Patriarch gave colors of hope, opened a window of optimism at a key point, that of finding resources for its restoration.

According to the EIB report, at least 50 million euros are required for the restoration. An unimaginable amount that can only be secured by strong economic factors, donations and government grants. And the key question is how this symbol of Orthodoxy and Hellenism will end up.

It would be a shame if this legacy were lost. Our duty, the conscription, the like-minded view of those in pain. I must, as the Coordinator of the whole effort, promise that I will continue to push for immediate solutions and fight with a heightened sense of responsibility. I do not give up.

You have a group of Greek and Turkish scientists working together voluntarily to restore the Orphanage. How does the Turkish government and Turkish society deal with the issue?
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The Prince's Orphanage is not an "orphan", nor has it ever been "of unknown ownership". It has a title deed. Its legal owner is the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In fact, it is the only property for which Fanari has title deeds.

The Ecumenical Patriarch received the title deeds of the Prince Orphanage on November 29, 2010.

At the same time, it reflects the cosmopolitanism of the Princes Islands, is part of the architectural heritage of Turkey and a symbol of the world's architectural heritage. Therefore, the local society of the islands, the wider Turkish society, the media are aware of the issue. “When do you start? We will be by your side!" they tell us.

We collaborate with the Ministry of Culture of Turkey and the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul, while the voluntary mobilization of Greek and Turkish architects and the contribution of the twenty-member group of distinguished professors from the National Metsovio Polytechnic and "Mımar Sinan" of Istanbul are noteworthy.

There is a coordinated will. I therefore find no reason not to be optimistic. That is, not to hope for a fight, in a multicultural arena where only passion and duty will compete.

The official website of the Prince's Orphanage https://pringipos.org/

Source: fosfanariou.gr​ for Greek Version