Istanbul residents throng to Greek Church to make wish

ISTANBUL

Hundreds of Istanbul residents flocked to a Greek-Orthodox church on Dec. 1, just like the first day of each month, to make wishes in the hope for them to come true.

People of all faiths come in scores to visit the Ayın Biri Kilisesi, which literally means the “Church of the First Day of the Month” in English, to make a wish.

Visitors purchase trinkets and keys at the church based on their wishes, whether it is related to health, marriage, or money, and then light a candle before getting a priest’s blessing.

According to the narrative, a person has to return the key they bought to the church once their wish comes true.

The wish-granting church in Istanbul’s Vefa quarter has become significant beyond measure as it is open only on a particular day of the month.

At the holy place, which is considered one of the ultimate sites in the Turkish metropolis for those seeking a marriage partner, mostly mothers of young adults are seen waiting in queues to enter and pray.