The Church of St. George in Fener is the 5th Patriarchal church in Constantinople and home to the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the 17th century.

The current building was rebuilt following a fire that took place in early 18th century, however this site was occupied by the church since early 1601.

The patriarchy has equal status among Rome, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem churches, “primus inter pares” in Latin, meaning ‘first among the equals’.

The present patriarch is Patriarch Bartholomew I. The church is a basilica with three aisles. Under the present Patriarch Bartholomew, it has been restored.

The highlights are the patriarchal throne which probably dates from the late Byzantine era although there are claims to date it back to 5th century, iconostasis (wall of icons separating the sanctuary from the nave of the Orthodox church), tombs of three female saints and its serene garden.

Another important highlight is the sacred relics, bones of John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian, which were given back to the patriarchy in 2004 by Vatican since they were taken to Rome by the Fourth Crusaders in the 13th century.