Istanbul, October 1, 2026
Photo: greekreporter.com
The historic Church of St. Charalambos in Bebek, on the European shore of the Bosphorus, has been returned to the city’s Greek Orthodox community after extensive restoration work.
Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the rite of consecration on Sunday, September 27, according to Greek Reporter.
The church, known in Greek as Vevekiou, is one of the best-known Greek Orthodox landmarks along the strait. The earliest known mention of it is a letter from 1796, which indicates that monks from the Monastery of Iveron on Mount Athos built a church dedicated to St. Charalambos on land the monastery owned in the area. The building standing today dates from 1830.
Patriarch Bartholomew called the gift an act of faith and of confidence in the future of the Greek community in Istanbul, rather than simply a generous donation.
Photo: greekreporter.com
The conservation effort included repairs and waterproofing of the roof, restoration of the circular roof above the sanctuary, work on the iconostasis, and reconstruction of the women’s gallery and its interior staircase. Crews also repaired the pews, had specialist conservators treat the church’s icons, and upgraded the electrical and plumbing systems. Entrances and outdoor areas were also worked on.
Clergy, community representatives, and worshippers attended the event, including many former Bebek residents.
The Patriarch said the church was restored not to remain a monument to the past but to serve as a living place of worship. At the close of the ceremony, he unveiled a commemorative plaque recording the renovation and the donation.
For a community with roots along the Bosphorus stretching back generations, the reopening marks a new chapter for a church that has served as a center of religious and social life in Bebek for two centuries.
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, and MeWe!
