Here are some more photos of Hagia Sophia by fellow pilgrim Fred Miller from our recent visit to Istanbul. The first is an ambo from one of the predecessor churches, located outside the main entrance. This is a wonderful example of a classical ambo characteristic of early Christian churches, with two sets of steps leading to an elevated platform where the deacon would proclaim the Gospel. I think it offers a wonderful prototype ripe for revival by modern churches as it is so well suited to the movement of procession.
Early ambo outside Hagia Sophia
Upon entering the narthex of the church, one is struck by the beautifully preserved bronze Imperial Door. The emperor had a role in the Byzantine liturgy, which was unconstricted by our modern notions of the separation of church and state. Much of the early liturgies celebrated in Hagia Sophia were influenced the Byzantine imperial court, and these liturgies in turn helped to form our Christian liturgies, especially in the case of the four major processions of the liturgy (gospel, offertory, communion and recession).
Imperial Door of Hagia Sophia
Finally, this view of the interior of Hagia Sophia gives some idea of the splendor of the church. No wonder that Justinian, upon entering the church for its dedication, was said to have proclaimed, “Solomon, I have outdone you!”
Here, the Orthodox concept of liturgy as making heaven present upon the earth was manifested in a most spectacular way. And the Roman concept of the triumph of Christianity over the former pagan state religion was emphasized by Justinian’s incorporation of the columns of the Temple of Diana at Ephesus — one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world — as a minor detail in one corner of his temple. The large medaillion dates from the building’s conversion to a mosque and is a calligraphic representation of the name of Muhammad (peace by upon him) and the mosaic of the Theotokos as Seat of Wisdom above the apse is visible to the right.
Interior of Hagia Sophia
