Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George

It is one of the three major places visited by visitors in Balat. It is a small but old church. In fact, after the ceremony is over, they almost turn off the lights inside so that we cannot take decent photos. Although it is visually magnificent, we cannot take proper photographs.

Me and my couple of friends went there on a saturday and I think they let people in certain hours. We showed up just the right time when they were admitting by chance.

I didn't know there will be some sort of ceremony on the day of our visitation, so I think of myself lucky to be able to witness it.

There was a choir, made me wanna learn Greek languange and orthodox chants.

The church is decorated the same way, like a normal orthodox chuch would be. Lots of iconography and details. It was a bit dark but could be due to the ceremony.

They welcomed us with open arms .
And the peace inside is incredible ❤

A peaceful place with beautiful artwork. This was a good opportunity to pray quietly after the hustle and bustle. The relics of the three great Cappadocian saints, the 1000 year old icons, the beautiful iconostasis and the throne were all a privilege to see. And all for free when other sites in Istanbul are charging a lot of money. How humble.

The place that I felt very peaceful.

Very very well kept church. It is free to enter you donate money for the candles. The craftsmanship is insane. You are allowed to take photos.

Security is in place to protect everyone. They have certain days they are open with hours. Check before you go.

Very beautiful church and a very important place and part of Istanbul history, it’s really beautiful from inside and very humble architecture from outside, i think everyone should pay a visit to this church and appreciate the history of it.

Saint George’s Church is the Cathedral parish of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, 270th Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. If visiting the church for the first time, take some time and get a brochure to identify the important reliquaries in the church: the throne of St. John Chrysostym, the Holy Relics os Sts. John Crysostym, Basil the Great and John the Theologian. If possible, on Saturday evenings there are vesper services at 4:30PM and on Sunday, Marin’s and Divine Liturgy beginning at 9AM.

The seat of the Patriarch
Home to the patriarch of Constantinople, this is the primary church of the Greek Orthodox believers in Istanbul. The Patriarch here is considered as the first among equals of all the other patriarchs of the Orthodox rite, and, while the church itself is relatively small compared to the others, it is still an important historical site and well worth seeing for those who have an interest in such things.

Beautiful church. Would recommend a visit to it! The heart of the Orthodox Church in Constantinople and the autocephalous Patriarchy.

One of the most amazing and beautiful places in Istanbul. A must visit location. Make sure have a guide with you who can explain all the history and background. Please review my posted picture of this amazing church.

Any trip to Istanbul is incomplete without paying a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. For the captivating Orthodox religious service try Sunday mornings.

Beautiful artwork & great atmosphere inside. My phone camera cant capture the actual imagery well. Go see for yourself. No entrance fees but can make donations.

One of the most important landmarks for the Orthodox Church. Some even call it the center of it. It will not take you long to see it. The most important thing you will see inside is the temple of St. George which is very beautiful indeed.

The beautiful church I have ever seen! Even quarter turned gypsy quarter,in church you still feel greek culture and the architecture is amazing! Its island of greek culture in Balat.
It was funny that the souvenirs there with euro? Are you kidding?!

The inside of the church really is beautiful and smells nicely like incense. There is an admission control but no entry fee.

It is a place worth visiting,whether you are orthodox christian or not. The history of this place,of people who have taken care of it,the details,and relics that are here are just stunning. You won't be sorry for visiting it.

This is the way to represent the God, modest, small but full of spirit, peace and tranquility.

It's been a while since I've genuinely been awed by somewhere in istanbul (this is my 3rd year here and I've gone to pretty much everywhere). It's located in the pretty neighborhood of Balat, and the interior is just absolutely flabergasting. I spent a long while in here just staring at things because there was so much to absorb at once. If you're around, would definitely recommend.

Very beautiful, old greek orthodox church, located in the ecumenical patriarchet of Constantinople. Open everyday until 5 in the afternoon. Special occasions such as easter, all rights are observed even after 5pm.

It was the main place for all orthodox in greece, cyprus,romania and russia etc.after the conquest, the patriarchate moved from the buildings in Hagia Sophia and then moved this place in front of the golden horn. You need to ask permision to visit.