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Saint Sophia Cathedral
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Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv, Ukraine. This is a photo of a monument in Ukraine, number: 80-391-0151.
The Deesis in Greek means “entreaty.” There are shoulder-length figures of Christ (centre), the Virgin Mary (left), and John the Baptist (right) in medallions.
Mosaic, 11th c.; in places of loss (lower part of the composition) — oil painting of the 18th c. Holy hierarchs are famous theologians of Christian teaching and oecumenical teachers. The composition is represented by two groups of saints; on the left are Epiphanius of Salamis, Clement of Rome, Gregory the Theologian, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and Archdeacon Stephen. Near each saint Greek inscriptions have been preserved.
Its height is 6 m. Circa 2 million tesserae were used in the mosaic set. It is one of the biggest monumental examples of Old Rus art. “Orans” in Greek means “praying.” This image is one of the main iconographic types of the portrayal of the Virgin Mary, presenting her with her hands raised in prayer. The Virgin Orans is called “the Unbreakable Wall.” From ancient times it is believed that as long as the image of the Virgin Orans is in St. Sophia, the city of Kyiv and all Rus will stand.
In the center there is a figure of Our Lady of the Sign, standing on a crescent-shaped moon. She is portrayed in a rotunda, supported by seven pillars. Wisdom (Greek: Sophia) symbolizes the Son of God, about whom it is said in the Parables of Solomon: “Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.” These words are written on the cornice of the rotunda. These words refer to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is called “God’s Wisdom” in the Epistles. The word “House” refers to the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to the Son of God. God the Father is portrayed above the rotunda, from whom the Holy Spirit descends upon the Virgin Mary in the form of a dove. Seven Archangels are depicted surrounding God the Father, holding the signs of their ministry: to God’s right—Michael with a sword, Uriel with a bolt of lightning, Raphael with an alabastron of chrism; to God’s left—Gabriel with a lily, Salathiel with beads, Jegudiel with a royal crown, and Barachiel with flowers on a white shawl. On seven steps of a circular ambon, which symbolize the Church of God on Earth, in front of the Virgin Mary there stand forefathers and prophets who announced the advent of Wisdom to the world: to Mary’s right—Moses with the tablets, Aaron with a rod, and David with the Ark of the Covenant; to Mary’s left—Isaiah with the Charter of his prophecy, Jeremiah with a scroll, Ezekiel with gates shut, and Daniel with a cornerstone. Seven Virtues are indicated on the steps: Faith, Hope, Love, Purity, Humility, Grace, and Glory.
The Archangel Gabriel informs the Virgin Mary “the Good News” about the birth of the Divine Child, the Saviour of Humanity. The Archangel Gabriel blesses the Virgin Mary with his right hand. There is an inscription in Greek near the figure of the Archangel: “Hail, Virgin full of grace, the Lord is with Thee.” The portrayal of Mary is accompanied by the inscription: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” The Virgin Mary prepares a red yarn for the veil of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Sarkophag of Yaroslav Mudry, St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, Ukraine.
The portrait of the princely family was located on three walls of the nave: south, west, and north. The west wall was demolished at the end of the 17th century because of its emergency state, and part of the painting has not been preserved. The fragments that remain do not allow identification of the portrayed persons due to their poor state of preservation. Traditionally, it has been argued that the princely portrait presented the family of Prince Yaroslav the Wise—himself and his wife—who were depicted on the west wall, i.e., the central part of the composition. On the south wall, there are four figures of members of the princely family, probably the prince’s children.

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Kyiv, Ukraine

Saint Sophia Cathedral stands as the oldest surviving church in Kyiv, with sections that reach back to the 11th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral draws attention not only for its stunning architecture but also for its vast collection of ancient frescoes and mosaics. Among these, the Virgin Orans mosaic is especially renowned, forming part of the largest ensemble of 11th-century frescoes and mosaics in the world.

Historic Details and Restorations

Careful maintenance of the site is very visible. Several attendants, known for their distinctive green robes, are stationed inside to ensure the preservation of the precious interiors. Visitors should note that photography is strictly monitored, and anyone preparing to take a picture is likely to receive a firm warning from the staff. The cathedral’s gatehouse and other areas underwent significant restoration during the 17th century, adding another layer of history to this remarkable site.

Memorials and Monuments Around the Cathedral

Just outside the cathedral’s gates, a notable statue stands in honor of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytskyi. He is remembered for liberating Kyiv in the 17th century—a move that ultimately resulted in the city becoming part of the Russian Empire. This monument serves as a reminder of the complex and layered history surrounding the cathedral and the city of Kyiv itself.

Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sophia_Cathedral,_Kyiv
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