It secures solidarity and oneness of mind, with the hierarchs from here. He has lived on the island for nearly four years. Heybeliada, in the Marmara Sea, is less than an hour's boat ride from Istanbul. About 60 Greeks live on the densely populated island. Only the military and police are allowed cars.
Most people walk.
Simonopetritis, born in Wimbledon, England, was assigned to the seminary by the Patriarchate. He keeps the place alive, poring over ancient writings and directing visitors. He speaks Turkish, Russian, Greek and English. So he waits, patiently. Everything is perfectly maintained and in place, down to the chalk for the blackboard.