We started our day at the Grand Bazaar. This covered marketplace is the largest in Istanbul, and contains a bedazzling selection of items, from spices to jewelry to swords. Our day continued at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, when His Grace Bishop Savas and Patriarchal Deacon Nephon guided us through the Cathedral of St. George. We venerated the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Saint Gregory the Theologian, Saints Ephemia, Solomone, and Theophano, as well as a part of the post upon which the Romans flogged Christ. The highlight of the day was our audience with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, to whom we were personally introduced by His Grace Bishop Savas. His All Holiness then offered remarks and encouraged our future return to the Phanar, and presented each young adult pilgrim a gift. In return, our group of young adults presented a gift to His All Holiness.
After departing the Phanar, we grabbed a quick lunch and visited the Spice Bazaar, which was full of vendors selling exotic spices, teas, herbs, and sweets. Our last visit of the day was to Panagia Vlacherna, the most famous shrine of the Virgin Mary in Istanbul. In the 7th Century, it is believed that the Virgin Mary protected the people of Constantinople from a foreign assault after they gathered in the church with her icon and sang the Akathist Hymn in her praise. Her intervention saved Constantinople, and the beautiful hymn, “Ti Ypermaho” (To You O Champion Leader), is still sung 1400 years later to commemorate this miraculous event. Feeling the inspiration, His Grace led our group in chanting this hymn, followed by “Christ is Risen.” We also filled bottles of agiasmo (holy water) from the holy natural spring and venerated Panagia’s icon, a great way to end our time in Constantinople.
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