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Author: James Vletas I have wanted to visit Hagia Sophia for as long as I can remember. At my church St. Basil the Great, I often heard people share stories about their experiences in Constantinople and from visiting Hagia Sophia. When I saw that I was accepted into the Pilgrimage of Discovery, I knew that this would be a trip of a lifetime. I am so honored and thankful for this opportunity to be immersed in the program and to meet His All Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew. I’

Author: Mauretta Patitsas When you explore a new place and get out of your comfort zone, you learn a lot about your relationship with God. This summer, I have been graced by God with the opportunity of a lifetime, to understand both the joy and sorrow of Christianity in the context of a fallen land. To hold a piece of the grief and joy, and to be able to represent Orthodox faithful in my country, in my state, and in my community. Back in 2023, right after I graduated college,

Author: Stavros Boardman Some places feel important before you ever see them in person. For me, Constantinople has always been one of those places. Growing up Greek Orthodox, I heard about it constantly, at church, at camp, from family, during services, and every time it was spoken about, it carried this sense of gravity and reverence. It never felt like just another city. It felt like the center of our faith and our history. Ever since I was old enough to understand what t

Author: Elaina Stamas When I was 13 years old, my family took a trip to California to visit some family friends that had recently moved there. We visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame and took a tour of Paramount Studios. The tour guide impressed upon us what a unique experience it was to be standing in the very place that Hollywood stars had stood, celebrities like Tom Hanks and John Travolta. When the guide turned his back, I asked my parents what made those men so special, ha

Matthew is a year 4 POD recipient, learn about why he applied.

We are thrilled to announce that the recipients of the 2026 Pilgrimage of Discovery have been selected! This year, 18 outstanding young leaders from across the country, representing every Greek Orthodox Metropolis, are selected to take part in this transformative journey, making this our largest cohort yet. The Pilgrimage of Discovery is a unique program designed to immerse young Orthodox leaders, ages 23–30, in the history of Constantinople and the spiritual significance of

The Pilgrimage of Discovery Alumni Leadership Network conducted its second annual retreat in Chicago, Illinois the weekend of April 17-19, 2026. Funded by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and by charitable contributions from generous donors across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Pilgrimage of Discovery (POD) is a religious and educational journey through Constantinople awarded to Orthodox Christian young adults across America. The Alumni Leadership N

In "Our Sleeping Queen of Cities: A Pilgrim’s Reflections in Constantinople" published in The National Herald, Stavros Piperis shares his thought-provoking impressions gained while on the Pilgrimage of Discovery. Full article linked here or read below . Stavros Piperis during his visit to Constantinople. Photo: Courtesy of Stavros Piperis A drowsy wind blows across the blue-gray waters of the Bosphorus. On it a lone seagull flies, lilting along the air current. Behind it loo

The Pilgrimage of Discovery is pleased to announce that applications for its 2026 program are now officially open and will remain available until January 31, 2026. Now entering its fourth year, this initiative continues its mission to connect young Orthodox leaders with the roots of their faith in Constantinople, the heart of global Orthodoxy. The Pilgrimage of Discovery identifies and cultivates emerging leaders from across Orthodox jurisdictions under the Ecumenical Patriar

We are thrilled to announce that the recipients of the 2025 Pilgrimage of Discovery will be revealed on April 11th across our social...

The Pilgrimage of Discovery is excited to announce its Alumni Leadership Network