Ecumenical Patriarchate & Church of St. George

Behind a modest wall in the old Greek quarter of Fener, on the shore of the Golden Horn, lies one of the most important religious sites in the Christian world. The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch, regarded as the "first among equals" of the Orthodox Church, and its cathedral, the Church of St. George, welcomes pilgrims and visitors from around the globe.

History

After the Ottoman conquest of 1453, the Patriarchate continued to function in Istanbul and moved between several churches in the city. In 1601 it settled in Fener, around the former convent church of St. George, and it has remained there ever since. The church was rebuilt several times after fires; its present form dates largely from a reconstruction in 1720 under Patriarch Jeremias III, with later repairs, including a thorough restoration completed in 1991. The district of Fener (the Phanar) gave its name to the Phanariotes, the influential Greek families who served the Ottoman state as interpreters, diplomats and governors.

The main gate of the Patriarchate, known as the Middle Gate, has been kept closed and painted black since 1821, in memory of Patriarch Gregory V, who was hanged there at the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence. Visitors enter through a side door.

What to See

The basilica-style Church of St. George is simple on the outside but richly decorated within, with a gilded, intricately carved iconostasis and many precious icons.

• The iconostasis – a carved and gilded wooden screen from the early eighteenth century, filled with icons.
• The Patriarchal Throne – traditionally associated with St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople in the fifth century.
• Relics of the saints – the relics of St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom, returned from Rome in 2004, and the relics of three holy women martyrs.
• The Column of Flagellation – a portion of a column venerated by tradition as the one at which Christ was scourged.
• Byzantine mosaic icons – rare portable mosaic icons preserved in the church.
• The courtyard – the Patriarchal buildings, the closed Middle Gate and the peaceful garden.

Visitor Tips

Entry to the church is free and visitors are welcome during the day, but this is an active cathedral, so services take priority and access may be limited on major feast days. Dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before taking photographs during services. Security checks are carried out at the entrance. Sunday morning Divine Liturgy is a moving experience for those who wish to attend.

Fener is one of the most characterful neighbourhoods of Istanbul, with colourful wooden houses, the red-brick Phanar Greek Orthodox College and the Bulgarian Iron Church of St. Stephen nearby, and Balat just next door. An Inca Tour guided walk through Fener and Balat, or a Golden Horn tour, gives you the history of these communities and time to visit the Patriarchate respectfully.