Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, Istanbul

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is also known as the Rum Ortodoks Patrikhanesi, which translates to the "Roman Orthodox Patriarchate" from the Turkish language. This is part of the wider Orthodox Church and headed by Bartholomew I the current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. This is also one of the 14 autocephalous churches that are within the communion of Orthodox Christianity. Its location at the former capital of the Byzantine Empire, now Istanbul, makes it enjoy the status of the "first among equals" amongst the entire world's Eastern Orthodox churches.

The current church was built in the year 1720 on a Basilica plan, and is topped by a timber roof. Unlike other churches that have been built during the Byzantine times, this church lacks the grandeur of its station. This was because of the Ottoman rule prohibiting non-Muslims places of worship to bear domes or other forms of masonry on the roof. The Patriarchal Throne is said to date back to Saint John Chrysostom Patriarchate in the fifth century, and his relics along with those of Saint Euphemia, Saint Solomone and Saint Theophano, the female saints are present there. Three gold mosaic icons and the Columns of Flagellation are also present in the church.