Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Church
Changes After Construction:
- Because some sources give the construction year as 1659, it is thought that the date 1851 written in the Greek inscription above the door may be the rebuilding date of the church.
Prominent Features:
- The church is affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
- The structure is known as “Ayios Yeoryios Greek Orthodox Church” and “Aya Yorgi Greek Orthodox Church.”
- It was commissioned during the time of Patriarch Cyril II of Jerusalem and was financed from the treasury of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
- The Greek inscription above the door states that the structure was built from its foundations in 1851.
- The structure is a masonry church with a detached plan; its floor is paved with marble and black stone.
- The women’s gallery is wooden; the iconostasis, Gospel reading stand, and despot’s throne are decorated with gilded carvings and reliefs.
- The narthex is entirely wooden; the tomb of Patriarch Cyril II of Jerusalem is located in the narthex, and there is an inscription on the wall dated 18 August 1877.
- The church is opened for worship three times a year (1 February, 23 April, 27 July).
