Orthodox church in istanbul. Church of St. George - a real shrine of all Orthodox
And I invite you to a small quarter of the Phanar region (Fener, on the Fatih Peninsula, coordinates 41°1′ 44.73″N , 28°57′ 6.56″E ) on the southern side of the Golden Horn Bay. Orthodox church in Istanbul we visited on our way to Dolmabahce Palace, this excursion was unplanned. There are 60 Orthodox churches in Istanbul, the main one is St. George the Victorious.
Our friends have visited the cathedral before and strongly recommended to look into the church of St. George (tour. Aya Yorgi ) , behind the walls of which valuable relics are stored. The church belongs to the Orthodox shrines of Constantinople.
From the Sultanahmet district to the Phanar district, we took a taxi, the service began at 10 am, so we decided to go broke a little to save time. The Cathedral of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious is the residence of the Ecumenical and Constantinople Patriarch.
Phanar is the oldest district in Istanbul. Wealthy Greeks bought houses and land here in order to be closer to the patriarchal seat. Many of them serve the patriarchy for generations.
The Temple of St. George is located behind a high fence in the shadow of the beautiful minarets of Istanbul. The central gates of the temple are always closed and remind of a bygone history. In 1821, at the gates of the shrine, the execution of Patriarch George V was carried out, who was accused of involvement in the Greek uprising and hung right on the gates of the temple.
In appearance, the modest basilica bears little resemblance to Cathedral, but the whole perception changes as soon as you get into the walls of the current temple. The building itself is surrounded by small courtyards with elegant flower beds, administrative buildings, the residence of the patriarch and the library. Behind the temple is a bell tower.
During its history, the Orthodox church has experienced many fires and destruction. Initially, this place was convent, and since 1601 the residence of the Patriarch of Constantinople.
We entered the temple when the service had already begun and spent about an hour there.
The first thing that catches your eye upon entering the church is the gold-covered iconostasis, mosaic icons and tall ivory candelabra - a generous decoration that is typical of Orthodox Christianity.
To the right of the iconostasis is a fragment of a marble flagellation pillar from Jerusalem, in which part of the ring is embedded. According to this ring, Jesus was chained during the scourging.
You can put your hand on the ring and pray.
Along the wall of the temple there are sarcophagi with the relics of the Holy Great Martyrs Queen Theophania, Solomonia and Euphemia. Containers with particles of the relics of Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom are kept in the church.
In 1941, the church was badly damaged by fire. The renovated Orthodox Church of St. George the Victorious was opened after restoration in 1991.
In March 2014, on the Day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Divine Liturgy was held in St. George's Church, which brought together numerous laity and clergy, representatives of the State Diplomatic Corps and statesmen. The solemn service was led by 13 patriarchs of the Orthodox churches of the world.
The liturgy was in several languages: Greek, Church Slavonic, Georgian, Serbian, Arabic, Romanian and Albanian. In truth, the feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy took place in Istanbul.
I will not say, but there is a belief that the Church of St. George is a place of power, it is visited by women who cannot get pregnant, one of their parishioners told us about this. There are many examples when different legends are invented for PR, but often a woman who dreams of the happiness of motherhood believes in various superstitions.
Just like hundreds of years ago, the Orthodox residents of the city go to the temple, where the boundaries of time are smoothed out and minor singing returns to that world where they feel not only descendants, but also a true part of Great Byzantium.
Photography in the church of St. George is allowed.
View Larger Map
The church is open to the public every day from 8:30 to 16:00.
Emniyet-Fatih Metro Station
Thank you for attention!
Constantinople Orthodox Church or the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul is the first autocephalous Orthodox Church. In Greek literature it is called the Great Church of Christ.
Christianity spread in Asia Minor thanks to the apostles Andrew the First-Called, Paul, Philip, John the Theologian and their evangelistic works.
The history of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople itself begins in 330, when an ancient settlement of Byzantium was located in its place, and then the city of Constantinople was founded. Since the city was destined to become the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the importance of the See of Constantinople began to grow. Over time, she took first place in honor among the rest of the Orthodox Churches in the area, even despite the fact that she was inferior in antiquity to many of them.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul was occupied by great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, among whom were St. Gregory the Theologian (389) and St. John Chrysostom (407). Their creations, even today, are still an inexhaustible source of theological wisdom and church teaching.
The jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople extends to the canonical territory of Turkey, which includes 30 theological schools, 10 monasteries and 6 dioceses, as well as a number of dioceses in Greece, Western Europe, America, Australia and New Zealand and Mount Athos. Primate - Archbishop of Karelian and all Finland Leo. The residence of the Primate is located in Kuopio.
In our time, the Constantinople Orthodox Church in Istanbul is headed by the 232nd Patriarch of Constantinople Archondonis or Bartholomew. He was born in Turkey on the island of Imvros on March 12, 1940. On December 25, 1973, he was given the title of Metropolitan of Philadelphia. For 18 years he managed the Patriarchal Cabinet.
His election as Primate of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople took place on October 22, 1991. The rite of enthronement was performed on November 2, 1991.
He was given the title of Primate of "The Most Holy Archbishop of Constantinople".
The patriarchal residence is located in the Phanar region of Constantinople.
The Orthodox Church of Constantinople has a complex and highly branched structure. Partly it is located on its canonical territory - in Turkey, and partly in Greece, but definitely most of it is scattered outside the country. In Turkey today there are about 3,000 Orthodox - mostly Greeks of the older generation.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) is a mosque in the center of Istanbul, the largest and the only mosque with six minarets in the city. As a monument of Islamic and world architecture and culture, it is a popular landmark and symbol of Istanbul. Together with the Hagia Sophia and other monuments, it forms a magnificent architectural ensemble on the central square of the city - Sultanahmet.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) is a mosque in the center of Istanbul, the largest and the only mosque with six minarets in the city. Like a memorial...
Add to routeAdd to route
Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to routeAdd to route
Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to route Add to routeAdd to route
Add to route Add to routeIstanbul is a multinational city where numerous representatives of various concessions and nationalities coexist peacefully. Almost half of all those who come to Istanbul are people of the Orthodox faith; Catholics visit the city less often. The more interesting it will be to make excursions to the Orthodox places of Istanbul.
In contact with
One of the famous attractions of Istanbul, included in many city tours, is located on the territory of the Topkapi Palace. It is the oldest church in the city - its foundation dates back to the reign of Emperor Constantine. In the 4th century it was burned to the ground, but at the behest of Justinian it was rebuilt almost from scratch.
After the fall of Constantinople, the building housed the arsenal of the Janissaries, and then the premises were used as a clothing warehouse. According to legend, this is where the sarcophagus with the remains of Emperor Constantine is located. Today, the Church of St. Irene is open for tours, cultural events and exhibitions of various kinds are often held here.
Address: Turkey, Istanbul, FIndIklI Mah.HancIoGlu cad. Yalcın Sokak.21.7. Opening hours: all days (except Monday). Only for group tours, by appointment.
Once upon a time in ancient times, it was she, known to the entire Christian world, who stood in Constantinople at the very imperial palace, on the estate of Blachernae. The initiator of the construction is the Empress Pulcheria. A palace was built nearby, which became the main imperial residence. The shrine attracted numerous pilgrims. Unfortunately, Today, only ruins remain of the unique structure.
There was an icon Holy Mother of God with which many miracles are associated. One legend says that once a local holy fool named Andrei saw the Mother of God walking across the sky, who prayed and cried, and then took off her light cover and spread it over the city, as if covering it. This holiday was later celebrated as the Intercession of the Mother of God, and in the 17th century the icon was presented as a gift to the Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich (now the icon is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery).
Address: Bostan sok., 47. Opening hours: daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Free admission.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Being very ancient, it was built in ancient times, when Emperor Justinian ruled (in 527). This religious building also has its own name - "small Hagia Sophia". The shape of the building also does not resemble a traditional church - the octagon is inscribed in a rectangle.
Once it was generously decorated with mosaics, but from numerous wars and earthquakes, almost nothing remained of the mosaic. In the 16th century, after the conquest of Constantinople, it was given the status of a mosque; today it is open to its parishioners every day.
Address: Turkey, Istanbul, Demirci Reşit Sokak 28. Admission is free.
Today it has a different name - Kariye Cami. Translated from the Greek "choir" (as well as "brown" from Turkish) means "suburb". Previously, it was located outside the city, now it is part of the Istanbul district of Edirnekapı. Chora (as it is also called) gained worldwide fame thanks to skillfully executed mosaics and frescoes.
Unfortunately, not all of them have survived to this day, but the surviving samples have a deep religious significance (scenes from Christian life, as well as the image of Jesus Christ and Mary with the baby). In addition to frescoes, it is notable for its unique stone carvings.
Address: Istanbul, Kariye Mh., Kariye Cami Sk 6. Opening hours: daily (except Wednesday) from 9 am to 7 pm, in winter from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Ticket price: 10-12 Turkish lira.
Saint John the Baptist
It was founded by a Roman named Studius in the 5th century. It had a very large craft workshop: icons were painted here, more than 700 monks were engaged in ancient manuscripts, texts, translations from ancient languages.
At the beginning of the 15th century, the building housed a university, but a century later it was turned into a mosque. Today, only the basilica remains of the church - the devastating earthquake that happened in these parts in 1894 affected.
Address: Balat Mh., Koltukçu Sokak No:3, 34200 Fatih. Opening hours: daily (except Monday and Tuesday), from 10 am to 6 pm.
Located in the Taksim area the name in Turkish sounds like "Ayia Triada". It was originally conceived as a church for Russian parishioners, but later became Greek. Today it is the largest in Istanbul. Some icons inside the temple date from the Byzantine period, the frescoes on the shelf are from a later period.
Finding her is easy. It is enough to walk along Istiklal Street from Taksim Square and you can immediately see Ayia Triada. Address: İstiklal Caddesi, Istanbul, Turkey. Opening hours: daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Saint Demetrius
A Greek Orthodox church that can be found in the Kurucheshme area. It is famous for its healing spring. To get to the source, you need to go under the dark vaults of the cave, and the closer to the source, the more difficult it becomes to go, you have to wade almost bent over. But patience will be rewarded - the water of the source has healing properties and grants cure for many ailments.
It is small in size and resembles, rather, a residential building than a religious building. Services are held only on Saturdays, in the morning, but they will open at the knock at any time and receive them as if they were the most welcome guests.
Located at: Kırbas sok., No 52, Kurusesme. Open daily (except Wednesday) from 9 am to 5 pm.
It is also called the Bulgarian Church. It is located in the Golden Horn Bay, on Mursel Pasha Street. It differs from others in that upholstered in sheet metal.
Moreover, the entire structure is designed in such a way that, if necessary, it can be quickly assembled and transported to another place. It was built for the Bulgarian minority living in Istanbul - and even today the parishioners are mostly Bulgarians. On the territory there is a small cemetery where the first Bulgarian Patriarchs are buried.
Address: Balat Mh., Ayvansaray Caddesi, 34200 Fatih, Istanbul. Opening hours: daily, from 10:00 to 01:00.
Saint Mary of Mongolia (Bloody)
It is also called the Church of Our Lady of Panagiotossa. And she received the nickname Bloody for the blood-red color of the building, built of red brick.
It was built on the initiative of Mary, daughter of Emperor Michael XVIII Palaiologos. Maria was given in marriage to a noble Mongol khan, but even after her marriage she did not lose touch with the house and donated funds for the construction.
It is located away from the standard excursion routes, it is also not indicated in the tourist brochures, so you need to order a special excursion to get to this place. Notable for the fact that it has never been a mosque.
Address: Firketeci Sokak No. 5 Fener Istanbul. Opening hours: daily (except Monday), from 10 am to 5 pm.
Saint Panteleimon
It was built in the 19th century in honor of the holy healer Panteleimon. Survived more than one fire, but each time revived again. Located in the port area of Karakoy. True, the location is unusual - on the roof apartment building. The Turks call it that - "the temple on the roof."
This house was built specifically for Christian pilgrims traveling to holy places. At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian emigrants were accommodated here. The church is active, services have been held here regularly since 1999. Address: Address: Hoca Tahsin Sok. N:19, Karaköy, İstanbul.
Church of the Keys
It also bears the name - the Church of the fulfillment of desires, or one day. There is one feature inherent in it - you can visit it only on the first day of each month, on any other day it is closed for visits. Despite the fact that it is Christian, more than 80% of visitors are Muslims.
When visiting, a curious ritual is performed. If someone decides to make a wish, you need to take a small key from the table (the cost of the key is 1 Turkish lira) and symbolically close the boxes in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary with it, make a wish and light a candle. They say everything comes true.
Address: Katip çelebi cad., Hacıkadın Bostanı sok No 13/15, Unkapanı, istanbul. Hours of operation are the 1st of every month. Ticket price - 5 lira, key and candles - 1 Turkish lira each.
Many interesting facts can be learned from excursions to Orthodox shrines, each church is able to tell about the history of ancient Constantinople, the history of urban architecture. And the ancient frescoes and mosaics that have survived to this day will bring aesthetic pleasure.
Orthodox Istanbul
Mighty Constantinople, the capital of the emperors, is the greatest city in the world. Orthodox Istanbul is what has been preserved about it over the centuries of Turkish rule. It will be discussed in this article.
Hagia Sophia, built in just the period from 532 to 537, has become a symbol of Orthodoxy. Ambassadors came here from St. equal to ap. Prince Vladimir, who conveyed to him enthusiastic words: “We don’t know whether we were on Earth or in Heaven.” Byzantine emperors were crowned here, and St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga. Orthodox Istanbul is the stronghold of Christianity in Turkey, and Hagia Sophia is its heart.
Almost on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay is the Greek Patriarchate. In the adjacent Cathedral of St. vmch. George, pilgrims can venerate the part of the column to which the Savior was chained during the scourging, the relics of Sts. John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian. Here you can also pray at the mosaic icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, taken by the holy Empress Helen from Jerusalem.
Particularly close to the Russian heart is the courtyard of the St. Panteleimon Monastery in the ancient Karakoy district of Istanbul. From the huge building, wholly owned by the farmstead, now there is only a temple and a refectory at the very top of a multi-storey building. Thousands of people forced to leave Russia in 1917-1922 found shelter and all possible assistance here. The Orthodox community, although not numerous, remains here in our time. The priests who arrived from Saint Athos hold regular services. Those who wish can submit notes to the St. Panteleimon Monastery on Athos.
On the temple on the northern outskirts of the old city rested miraculous icon Holy Mother of God - Blachernae. It was here that the miracle of the Intercession took place, when in 626 the Patriarch and the inhabitants of Constantinople prayed in tears before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos for deliverance from the invasion. After the prayer, the great shrine - the Most Pure Robe - was dipped into the waters of the Golden Horn. The weather was sunny, but suddenly a barely noticeable and rapidly approaching cloud appeared on the horizon. Soon a furious storm began, scattering all enemy ships. Now a new temple has been built here, while an ancient source has been preserved where you can draw holy water.
Another holy spring of Istanbul is located in the temple, which is called the Life-Giving Spring. It has been known since the 5th century. According to legend, a Byzantine warrior named Leo wandered in despair through the forests that grew in this area. He was oppressed by lack of money and the uncertainty of his own fate. Here he met a blind old man who asked Leo for water. Stepping aside a little, the warrior, burdened with heavy thoughts, discovered a source with surprisingly clean and tasty water. Having drunk the old man, Leo received a revelation that he should not complain about fate, for he would soon become emperor. And so it happened - from a simple soldier Leo with God's help became the ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Many pilgrims sought to visit this temple, hoping for the help of the Savior. You can follow their example now - the source exists, and the water in it does not dry out.
One of the most ancient monuments of Istanbul, the column of Emperor St. Constantine the Great. It was erected around 330 and is thus the same age as Constantinople. Initially, a golden statue of the emperor towered on it, but in 1106, as a result of a severe hurricane, the statue collapsed down. Then a golden cross was raised to the top of the column, but it also suffered a sad fate. In 1204, during the destruction of Constantinople by the crusaders, the precious cross disappeared. According to legend, the great shrines of the Orthodox world were hidden under the column: the ax with which Noah made the Ark, as well as several baskets of bread - left over after the miraculous multiplication of bread by the Savior.
