Orthodox Istanbul – churches and communities today

For 1,100 years Constantinople was the centre of the Eastern Church – and in a way Istanbul still is: the Ecumenical Patriarchate sits in Phanar, and Greeks, Armenians, Bulgarians and Syriacs still celebrate the liturgy in their churches today. This tour visits the communities, not only the buildings. Vehicle with driver is included.

Highlights

• Ecumenical Patriarchate and St George's Church in Phanar
• The “Red Castle”: the Greek Orthodox College of Fener
• Panagia Mouchliotissa – the only Byzantine church that never became a mosque
• The Bulgarian St Stephen's iron church on the Golden Horn
• Balıklı monastery with the sacred spring and the patriarchs' tombs
• Armenian Patriarchate in Kumkapı, Hagia Triada at Taksim, Syriac Orthodox community

Full description

After 1453 the city remained the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople; the Greek, Armenian and later Bulgarian and Syriac communities shaped entire quarters. We start in Phanar at St George's Church, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch, walk through the lanes of Fener and Balat and see churches that have been in use for centuries.

In the afternoon we drive to the Balıklı monastery outside the land walls, to the Armenian Patriarchate in Kumkapı and to Hagia Triada on Taksim Square, the largest Greek Orthodox church in the city; on request we finish with the Syriac Orthodox community in Yeşilköy. Where possible we meet members of the congregations – a conversation says more than any display case.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• Ecumenical Patriarchate, Phanar
  St George's Church, the patriarchal throne, relics; the sealed gate.
• Greek Orthodox College of Fener
  The red brick castle above the Golden Horn (exterior).
• Panagia Mouchliotissa
  13th-century Byzantine church, Orthodox to this day.
• Bulgarian St Stephen's Church
  The iron church of 1898, cast in Vienna, assembled on the shore.
• Balıklı monastery
  Spring of Zoodochos Pege, tombs of the patriarchs, the legend of the fish.
• Armenian Patriarchate, Kumkapı
  Seat of the Armenian Patriarch since 1461.
• Hagia Triada, Taksim
  Istanbul's largest Greek Orthodox church, consecrated in 1880.

Included

• 8 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Air-conditioned private vehicle with driver for the whole day
• Pick-up and return
• Visits coordinated with the congregations

Not included

• Entrance fees and donations in the churches
• Lunch and drinks
• Airport transfer
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

Pick-up at your hotel lobby or at the Galataport cruise terminal; return to the starting point is included.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Clothing – In churches shoulders and knees covered; respectful behaviour during services.
• Opening hours – Some churches open only at certain times; I coordinate the order in advance.
• Sundays – If you would like to attend a liturgy, choose a Sunday morning – please note it in the form.