Paul, Constantine and the Councils – Christian Constantinople

Hagia Irene, Hagia Sophia, Pantokrator, Chora, Patriarchate: a day at the councils, emperors and churches that shaped Christianity worldwide – led by a specialist for biblical sites.

Highlights

• Hagia Irene – site of the Council of 381 (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed)
• Reading Hagia Sophia as Justinian's church
• Pantokrator monastery and Chora: New Testament mosaics
• Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fener, seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch
• View to Chalcedon (Council of 451)
• Guide specialised in biblical and early Christian sites

Full description

For almost a thousand years Constantinople was the capital of the Christian world. Here, in 381, the creed still spoken in Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches was completed; here resided the emperors who convened the councils, and here the Ecumenical Patriarch still has his seat.

We follow history chronologically: Constantine and the foundation, the council in Hagia Irene, Justinian's Hagia Sophia, Komnenian monasticism at the Pantokrator, the imagery of Chora and the living community in Fener today. Along the way we read the matching passages – from Paul's letters to the churches of Asia Minor to the Book of Revelation.

Ideal for parish groups, pastors, theology students and cruise guests with a biblical interest. A perfect complement to our group tours to the Seven Churches of Revelation.

What we see

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

• Hagia Irene
  The oldest church of the city, never a mosque: site of the Second Ecumenical Council in 381.
• Hagia Sophia
  Justinian's Church of Holy Wisdom – liturgy, imperial cult and the gallery mosaics.
• Hippodrome and Milion
  Where emperor and people met; the zero point of the imperial roads.
• Pantokrator Monastery (Zeyrek)
  Imperial monastery of the Komnenoi with library and hospital – today a mosque.
• Chora (Kariye)
  The lives of Jesus and Mary in 14th-century mosaics and frescoes.
• Ecumenical Patriarchate, Fener
  St George's Cathedral, the patriarchal throne and relics of the Church Fathers.
• View across the Bosphorus
  Chalcedon (Kadıköy), site of the Council of 451 – ending with tea by the water.

Included

• 7 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
• Handout with Bible passages and council texts

Not included

• Entrance fees Hagia Sophia (gallery), Chora, Hagia Irene; donations
• Lunch and drinks
• Vehicle and transfers, optional
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

Meeting point at your hotel in the old town or at the Gülhane/Hagia Irene entrance. The tour ends in Fener; return by ferry or, optionally, by vehicle.

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.

• Comfortable shoes – About 5 km on foot, cobblestones.
• Dress code – Shoulders and knees covered; headscarf for ladies in mosques.
• Service – On Sundays the liturgy at the Patriarchate can be attended (from about 9 am) – please note it when booking.