This part of the complex is the one where services would be held, and as such the most inportant one. The central space has a large dome over it, with on one side the apse, flanked by a mosaic of Christ to the left and one of Mary with Child (the theme is called Hodegetria) to the right of the apse. Looking back to the entrance from the esonarthex, above the door, one sees a "death of Mary". She is seen lying on a bed, as if asleep (hence "dormition"), her soul, swaddled like a baby, is held by her son, Christ. Around stand apostles, evangelists, early bishops. A six-winged seraph hovers over Christ.