Our History…

The Holy Patriarchal Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ is located in a magnificent setting at the summit of the southern hill of Kinali island, offering a breathtaking view of both Thrace and the eastern shores of Istanbul.

On this site, where Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes (1030–1072) founded the monastery in the 11th century, historical records also indicate the burial of the iconoclast Emperor Leo V the Armenian (775–820).

A few years after its construction, the monastery would also become the final refuge of its founder, Romanos IV. Following his defeat at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the dethroned emperor, now wearing the monastic habit, was led blind to his cell. His short life came to an end within a few days, and his wife, Eudokia, buried his unfortunate remains in the monastery’s garden. Sadly, the tombs of both emperors have been lost over the centuries, leaving only the memory of their history behind. However, the memory of history remains.

The first mention of the church’s renovation appears during the first patriarchate of Patriarch Jeremiah III (1716–1726). The full-scale restoration was completed in 1724, as indicated by the inscription embedded in the church’s portico. In 1884, during the first patriarchate of Joachim III (1878–1884), and at his request, a building surrounding the courtyard was constructed to serve as a retirement home for clergy. However, this purpose was never realized.

During his second patriarchate (1901–1912), Joachim III, maintaining his keen interest in the monastery, entrusted the philanthropic benefactor Symeon Siniósoglou with the establishment of an Orphanage for Girls. Unfortunately, Siniósoglou did not live to see his project completed, but his heirs fulfilled his vision, spending 10,000 gold coins. As per his will, he was buried near the entrance of the monastery. In 1906, a new two-story southern wing was added to the old structure.

The monastery’s facilities have been used multiple times for various charitable purposes:

  • 1895–1896: Hosted the Halki Theological School.
  • 1906–1914: Functioned as an Orphanage for Girls.
  • 1917–1918: Served as an Orphanage for Boys.
  • 1918–1924: Provided asylum for Russian refugees.

Finally, in 1952, under the guidance of Patriarch Athenagoras, the Children’s Camp was relocated here, having originally been established on Prinkipo in 1937. A decade later, the Girls’ Shelter was also moved to this location.

The “Children’s Summer Camps” were the vision of the late founders Athanasios Koukouli, Alexandros Ananiadis, Dimitrios Plakas, and Dimitrios Zervoudakis, aiming to enhance children’s education during the summer months.

Today, the Pedopolis children’s camp continues its mission of serving our youth, under the watchful eye and paternal care of His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.