This scientific institue was founded by a Patriarchal and Synodic Sigillion in 1965, and started functioning in 1968. It is housed in a special wing of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of the Vlatades in Acropolis, Thessalonica.
Its aim according to the Patriarchal Sigillion is to promote «the study and research of Patrology, Christian Litterature in general, Patristic Theology, and their neighbouring Theology disciplines».
It is managed by a seven-member council under the auspices of His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy and Sacred Synod around him.