The Sites I Am Intrigued to Experience

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’m intrigued to hear what he has to say, from his experience as a Patriarch, his views on faith in the modern world, and about different perspectives. From seeing Constantinople in pictures and films, it was always a place on my travel list. I am excited to see the intricate architecture of the churches, buildings, and streets in person. I’m very much looking forward to learning more about the history of Constantinople and its different historical sites. I have always been fascinated about the history of locations while traveling, and I think the sites in Constantinople will have such a rich history of how they came to be.

I am also really looking forward to going to the Patriarchal Church of St. George. St. George was my father’s patron saint, and to go there will be an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. I’m excited to connect with my fellow pilgrims and to explore the city and religious sites. To be accompanied by other pilgrims in the same stage of life, experiencing it for the first time, coming from the same background as me, will make this a unique and enriching bonding experience. I greatly look forward to this opportunity  and sharing my

experience with my family, friends, and home parish.