Days Seven & Eight: Istanbul

Final Days in Istanbul:

We spent the morning strolling through the city of Istanbul, retracing it’s ancient roots, the famous city of Constantinople. Emperor Constantine the Great established this city as the capital of his empire. The center pieces of the Hippodrome still stand, modern cement now covering the ancient paths. The ground which once felt the wheels of racing chariots and heard the cheering of the crowds now gives place to an array of shops and the bustle of a modernized world.

Near the Roman hippodrome still stands the magnificent church originally erected by Constantine — Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom”). Standing within this sacred space, the lofty domes and gilded artwork invoke a sense of awe. Within this historical church lie some of the most important artwork of the early church. The mosaics of Jesus, the exalted Christ interceding for the world, Mary his mother, and John the Baptist adorn the marble walls. As insignificant as such a grand space makes you feel, the rich history graces us as humans with meaning and significance.

We then visited the Church of St. Irene where the second ecumenical council was held in 381 AD. It was here that over 200 bishops gathered together to discuss orthodox Christianity and affirm the historic confession of faith known as the Nicene Creed.

Christ the Pantocrator - the Almighty 

Inside of the Hagia Sophia

Teaching in the shadow of Hagia Irene church