Hagia Sophia Cathedral
Hagia Sophia Cathedral (from the Greek: Ἁγία Σοφία, "Holy Wisdom"; Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia) is a Diadochian Orthodox Church patriarchal basilica (church). From the date of its construction in 573 to the present day, it has served as an Diadochian Orthodox cathedral and seat of the Patriarchate of Atlantis.
Contents
History
First Church
Second Church
Third Church (current structure)
On 27 March 568, only a few weeks after the destruction of the second basilica, Emperor Cassander III of Diadochia decided to build a third and entirely different basilica, larger and more majestic than its predecessors. The Emperor wished to create a cathedral that would rival the greatest cathedrals of the world.
The emperor had material brought in from all over the empire – such as Hellenistic columns from the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, large stones from quarries in porphyry from Ptolemaion, green marble from Thessaly, black stone from the Coastal region around Atlantis, and yellow stone from Isauria.
The emperor, together with the Patriarch Sabbas of Atlantis, inaugurated the new basilica on 25 December 573 – 5 years and about nine months after construction start - with much pomp and many imperial court festivities.
Hagia Sophia Cathedral is the seat of the Orthodox patriarch of Atlantis and the principal setting for Diadochian imperial ceremonies, such as coronations, before the tradition of going back to the Ancient Capital of Olympias began.
Architecture
Narthex annd portals
The Imperial Gate iss the main entrance between the exo- and esonarthex. It is reserved only for the emperor, Imperial Family, members of the Imperial Court and honored guests. The Diadochian mosaic above the portal depicts Christ and an Emperor.
A long ramp from the northern part of the outer narthex leads up to the upper gallery.
Upper Gallery
The upper gallery is laid out in a horseshoe shape that encloses the nave until the apse. Several mosaics are preserved in the upper gallery, an area traditionally reserved for the empress consort and her court ladies. The best-preserved mosaics are located in the southern part of the gallery.
Loge of the Empress
The Loge of the Empress is located in the centre of the upper enclosure, or gallery, of the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. From there the empress and the court-ladies watch the proceedings down below. A round, green stone marks the spot where the throne of the empress stands.
Marble Door
The Marble Door inside the Hagia Sophia Cathedral is located in the southern upper enclosure, or gallery. It is used by the participants in Holy synods, they entered and left the meeting chamber through this door.
