iliana2008.10.20 [13:10]
Church of Ss Sergios and Vakhus.
Although the Church was built before the "Great Church"-Ayia Sofia it is also called "Small Ayia Sofia" ("Kucuk Ayia Sofia" for the Turks) and was built in 527 by Emperor Justinian as well.
It is one of the most impressive remaining Byzantine Churches in Constantinople. Although the mosaics are completely destroyed, the interior is well preserved and it is obvious that the Church was recently renovated. The monograms of Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora are still visible on the columns. Unfortunately, the doors through which the Emperor and his wife were entering the Church (the Emperor from the South and the Empress from the North Gate) are now closed and built-up.
Ss. Sergius and Vakhus were centurions who became Christians and martyred for Christ. Emperor Justinian was supporting that the two Saints saved his life miraculously when he was young and that's why he built a Church for them.
After the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman-Turks in 1453 the fate was common for all the Orthodox Churches of Byzantium! This Church is still used as mosque!
