On October 14, 2023, on the feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, I came from Russia to this holy place for the liturgy. But it was not there, because the Greeks, alas, celebrate the Intercession (as well as Christmas and Easter) 2 weeks earlier - in the Catholic style. Instead of the liturgy, the Russian pilgrims organized an independent prayer service. There are chairs in the church, like in a church, although Orthodox people do not sit at services. There is no cross on the dome of the temple! It was bitter and insulting. The only joy is that at least the shrine was not desecrated, not converted into a mosque. I give three points not to the temple, but to its vicar, because the church is not actually Orthodox.
The Church of Our Lady of Blachernae. Orthodox people definitely need to visit.
The temple is the oldest and best preserved.
We were met, opened the temple and led around by a Greek temple employee.
There is a spring inside, you can wash and drink water.
The decoration of the temple cannot be conveyed, you need to see!
The territory of the temple is also wonderful, well-groomed!
This Holy place is directly connected with the events of the feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos. If you are lucky enough to visit, do not miss this chance. You can read in detail by searching for: Blachernae, Constantinople, Pokrov