The Fener Greek Patriarchate and the Patriarchal Church of St. George is located in the Fener neighborhood on the banks of the Golden Horn and share the same courtyard. The Patriarchate is still mother-church for Greek Orthodox Christianity worldwide.
The Patriarchate
The Patriarchate is the highest see of the Orthodox Church, where the Orthodox Christian Church comprises several self governing Churches, with over 300 million people worldwide. And it has retained its center in Istanbul for over seventeen centuries.
The Patriarchate directly oversees the Orthodox world of the Christians from several ethnic backgrounds in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Greece. “Orthodox” means “right worship” and “right belief”.
The Patriarchal Church of St. George
The church of St. George (the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer) is the 5th church housing the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate since the 15th century. It was once a convent for Orthodox nuns and was converted to the patriarchal offices in between the years 1598 and 1601.
The church is famous with its priceless objects, that the patriarchate throne dates back to 5th century. And it is divided into three parts that include vestibule (containing icons of St. George and the Prophet Elijah), nave and altar, and also retains the traditional basilica style with its three aisles.
Schedule of Divine Services
Daily Services
Monday to Friday >> Orthros 8:00, Vespers 16:30
Saturday >> Orthros 8:00, Great Vespers 16.00
Sunday >> Orthros 8:00, Divine Liturgy 9:30, Vespers 16:00
Feast Days
Orthros 8:00, Divine Liturgy 9:30, Vespers 16:00
Visitor Information
How to Get There?
* You need to get to Fener neighborhood of Fatih district first. Fener is situated about 5 km. from Eminonu, Karakoy or Eyup. And the Patriarchate is located on the Dr. Sadik Ahmet street that you can easily see it on the shores of Fener. See location map
* The most practical and easy way to get to Fener neighborhood is to use the Public Busesdeparting from Eminonu following the coastal road over the Golden Horn or the ones departing from Taksim.
No Regrets Booking Advice
* Another practical way is to take the Metrobus at the Ayvansaray stop or Metro (M2 line) at Halic stop and then take a 15-minute walk along the coastal road or use the Public Buses going to Eminonu direction.
You may see the public bus routes and timetables as well as make a route/station search from the Istanbul Municipality Public Buses website. Also check the Istanbul Railway Network Map for the Tram stops.
Address and Phone
Address: Rum Patrikliği, Dr. Sadık Ahmet Cad. No. 19, 34083 , Fener, Fatih, Istanbul
Tel: +90 212 531 96 70
Fax: +90 212 531 65 33
Web: patriarchate.org
 in Fener, including pictures, where to find it and what to expect from your visit){kind=link}