Perhaps you’re surprised to find an Anglican church in Istanbul. St. George’s Anglican Church has a story that stretches back centuries. Anglican worship began here in the 16th century. Queen Elizabeth I granted an original charter. Chaplains served trading companies and the British Embassy. Services were held at St. Helena’s Chapel. This chapel is on the grounds of the British Consulate.
Britain was the Ottoman Empire’s protector for many years. Ambassador Stratford Canning encouraged religious freedom. He believed the Ottoman Empire was a vital defense. It stood against Russia. Russia saw itself as protector of Orthodox Christians.
The Crimean War broke out in 1853. Britain, France, and Sardinia supported the Ottomans. There was great sympathy for British casualties. Many felt St. Helena’s Chapel was inadequate. A campaign began to build a memorial church in 1856. Over 2,000 congregations contributed. Sultan Abdulmecid I donated land for the church.
William Burges won the initial design prize. However his design was considered too expensive. George Edmund Street was then chosen as the architect. He was known for designing the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
Lord Stratford de Redcliffe laid the foundation stone in 1858. He spoke of religious freedom in Turkey. He noted that the church would be a memorial. It would honor those who fell in the Crimean War.
Construction was delayed. The church was finally consecrated in 1868. The Bishop of Gibraltar invited the Ecumenical Patriarch. Representatives attended the ceremony. Rev Charles Curtis became the first chaplain. He designed the stained glass and pulpit. The pulpit’s central panel came from a Byzantine church ruin. Its columns used stone from ancient cities.
The pulpit shows ecumenical aims. Mottos include a Greek monogram for Christ. There is also Vincent of Lerins’ definition of Catholic truth. The Protestant watchword is also displayed. It reads “We preach Christ crucified.”
In the 1860s, religious freedom increased. Three baptized Muslims became priests. They later faced exile. Rev. R.F. Borough planned a rood screen. It would honor those who died at Gallipoli. Funds were raised in several countries. The screen was installed in 1919.
The congregation declined after World War I. Many Greek-speaking Christians left Istanbul. Some legal arrangements were annulled. In the 1970s, services moved to St. Helena’s Chapel.
Canon Ian Sherwood arrived in 1989. He reclaimed Christ Church. He prevented its demolition. Refugees helped clean and restore the church. They uncovered elegant mosaics. The church crypt became a home for refugees.
A Nigerian footballer helped restore the pipe organ. The current musician is a refugee from Ukraine. Turkish rugs adorn the chancel. They were gifts from a women’s cooperative.
Scottish artist Mungo McCosh painted the rood screen panels. He depicted saints with faces of congregation members. Journalist Andrew Finkel appears as Moses. A Sri Lankan refugee is St. Thomas of India.
St. George’s Anglican Church faces challenges. Muslim neighbors sometimes express resentment. However the church perseveres. The mayor has offered support.
About 40 people attend Sunday services. Around 1,000 people visit weekly. Many are Russian and Ukrainian refugees. They find solace and community here. St. George’s Anglican Church stands as a beacon. It symbolizes faith, resilience, and welcome. It serves all in Istanbul.