Since the fall of the Ottomans and the rise of modern Turkish nationalism most of the Greek Orthodox population of Istanbul was deported or forced to emigrate after series of minor or major violent incidents like the Istanbul pogrom , leaving the Patriarch in the anomalous position of a leader without a flock , at least locally . Today the Church of St George serves mainly as the symbolic centre of the Ecumenical Patriarchate , and as a centre of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians . The church is financially supported by donations from Orthodox communities in other countries
Istanbul pogrom
Istanbul pogrom
St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul