The small, modest complex of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο Κωνσταντινουπόλεως / Rum Ortodoks Patrikhanesi) in Istanbul, Turkey, is widely regarded as the spiritual headquarters of the world’s Orthodox Christians.
The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople has no jurisdiction over the other several autocephalous Orthodox Churches, but he is, however, the head of the church in the Americas, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of Greece. In a historical context, he’s considered “first among equals” when there is a council involving other Orthodox primates and bishops.
History
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople can trace its roots back to St. Andrew the Apostle, the founder of the See of Byzantium. It’s not the oldest of the sees, but it was elevated in importance when Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople, now Istanbul) in 330 AD. It survived the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and played a significant role in Ottoman politics (although a number of Patriarchs were executed by the Sultan).
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has had several homes, including Hagia Eirini, Megali Ekklisia, Hagia Sophia, and for a brief period during the Latin occupation of Constantinople, at Hagia Sophia in Nicaea (Iznik). After bouncing around different churches over several years (Church of the Holy Apostles, Pammakaristos Church, Church of the Virgin Paramythia in Fener, and the Church of St. Demetrios Xyloportas in Ayvansaray), Patriarch Matthew II moved the Patriarchate to its current location in 1600.
Visiting
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is located in Fener. To get there, take the 55T bus from Taksim and get off at the Fener stop. The complex is open daily. Visitors must go through a metal detector and have their bags scanned before being allowed to enter.
The T5 tram line running from Eminönü is also an option. You can connect to it from the T1 tram line at Eminönü or the M2 metro line at Küçükpazar (Golden Horn Metro Bridge), get off at the Fener stop, and walk a short distance to the complex.
For more details on the complex and the church, click on the links below:
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