Now a Greek chapel sits on the spot where the holy spring or ayazma of Blachernae flowed in pre-Christian times. Its waters are believed to posses miraculous powers, but having drank it I feel much the same. In 451 a great church was built over the spring by Pulcheria, wife to Emperor Marcian. A few years later the robe and mantle of the Virgin were kept here. As a result it became the most important shrine in the city. The church was destroyed in 1434 by fire.

On the picture: Abbatial throne, adorned with a icon of ‘Christ Pantocrator’ (= "All-powerful").
It is the seat of all high ranking clergyman if present at a liturgical service.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.