Symeon Siniosoglou
He was born in Moutalaski, Cappadocia. During the Crimean War (1853–1856), his family, following the migration wave of the time, settled in Mersin. With the support of a friend of his late father, whom he lost at a young age, he excelled in commerce and amassed great wealth. Upon his arrival in Constantinople, he became active in the banking sector and emerged as one of the city’s leading bankers.
At the same time, his activities extended into the shipping industry. In 1872, he married Evlambia, with whom he had five children.
He was decorated by the Ottoman Empire and honored by the Orthodox Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Russia. His greatest contribution to our people was his care and protection of orphans, both in his homeland and in our city, as he established educational institutions and orphanages.
By the Mother Church, during the patriarchate of Joachim III, he was honored with the title of “Orphanotrophos of the Great Church of Christ,” and by Metropolitan Ioannis of Caesarea with the title of “Father of the Orphans.”
For the establishment of the National Orphanage for Girls on the island of Prinkipo (Büyükada), he donated 10,000 gold Ottoman liras and an additional 2,000 gold Ottoman liras for the furnishing and renovation of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ.
Unfortunately, the stroke he suffered on January 23, 1906, deprived him of the joy of seeing his work completed, which his family finished after his passing. His funeral was held in Diplokionion, where he resided, and he was buried in the courtyard of the Monastery, where we continue to honor his memory and work to this day.
Beyond its religious significance, the Monastery also serves as a place of historical memory, preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Greek Orthodox community of Istanbul. Every year, on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ is celebrated with great solemnity, attended by the Ecumenical Patriarch and a multitude of faithful.
Today, the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ on the island of Kinali remains an important spiritual center, keeping its tradition and history alive while also offering young members of the Greek Orthodox community—and beyond—a place for learning, recreation, and spiritual growth.