Honorary doctorate for Patriarch Bartholomew

University of Cyprus announced on Wednesday that it will nominate the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople as an honorary doctor of its classics and philosophy department.

The decision was taken in 2015 by the university’s senate and the council of the supreme academic institution after a recommendation by then classics and philosophy department rector professor Michalis Pieris, but due to circumstances put the nomination on hold.

The proposal considered the patriarch’s origins, his academic studies, his pastoral work and his distinctions and his particular interest in modern Greek literature.

The patriarch accepted the nomination and expressed his gratitude for the honour.

The award will take place on Saturday, September 10 at 11am in the patriarchal house in Istanbul.

The event will be accompanied by a performance from the University of Cyprus’ theatre workshop (Thepak) entitled “Waters of Cyprus, Syria, and Egypt” based on the poetry of Constantin Cavafy whose direction, selection and editing of texts belongs to the late professor Michalis Pieris.

Attending the mission will be the University of Cyprus rector and president of the senate professor Tasos Christofides and other members of the university.