Applications Now Open for the 2026 Pilgrimage of Discovery

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 Patriarchate. Up to 18 recipients will be selected to participate in the 2026 program, marking steady growth since the first pilgrimage launched with just five participants in 2023.

About the Pilgrimage of Discovery

The Pilgrimage of Discovery is a transformative program designed to immerse young Orthodox leaders in the history and spiritual depth of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Through this life-changing experience, participants strengthen their faith, deepen their understanding of the Holy Mother Church in Constantinople, and build bonds with the global Orthodox community.

Since its inception, the program has received national recognition for its impact and expansion:

• 2023: 5 participants

• 2024: 16 participants

• 2025: 16 participants

• 2026: Up to 18 participants

What Participants will experience

• A private audience with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

• Visits to sacred and historical sites including:

  • Zoodochos Pigi Church at Baloukli

  • Chora Church

  • Agios Demetrios Church of Kuruçesme

  • Hagia Sophia

  • The Bosphorus Strait

  • Princes’ Island

  • Pera Street

  • The Grand Bazaar

  • Halki Seminary

  • St. George Church

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must:

• Be 23–30 years old by August 1, 2026

• Be citizens or legal residents of the United States

• Be active members of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America or one of the other Orthodox Christian ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the U.S. under the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, including:

  • Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America

  • American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese

  • Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA

  • Vicariate for Palestinian-Jordanian Communities in the USA

  • Vicariate for the Communities of Slavic Tradition in the USA

Apply for the 2026 Pilgrimage of Discovery

“Every year, we see how the Pilgrimage of Discovery strengthens the connection between our young adults, our Holy Mother Church in Constantinople, and the global Orthodox family,” said Hellena Chrones, Founder of the Pilgrimage of Discovery. “If you feel called to grow in your faith and play a role in the future of Orthodox leadership, this is your invitation, apply and take this life-changing step.”

Applications open December 1, 2025 and close January 31, 2026.  Learn more & apply at: https://www.pilgrimageofdiscovery.org/application