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: The central part of the iconostasis, with the ‘Holy Doors’ (also: ‘Royal Doors’, or: ‘Beautiful Gate’) giving access to the sanctuary, where the altar stands. There is a traditional order for the placement of the icons on the iconostasis. On the right side of the Beautiful Gate is the icon of Jesus Christ, and on the left side: the Virgin Mary with Christ as a child.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: Website of St.Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Oak Lawn/Illinois.