Now the main reason I violated my promise to never go as a chaplain on a pilgrimage, was the chance this one offered to see my favorite church in all the world, the great 6th century basilica of Istanbul. Just so you know I actually got to Hagia Sophia, here’s proof. This picture was taken from the terrace of a department store, which offers a beautiful view of the church behind us. From left: David and Phyllis Garcia from Houston, Hope & Antonio Lara from Lubbock, and me. More pictures of the actual basilica once when I get a handle on the many pictures from this trip.