Event held in Nichori on the Bosphorus about the unifying role of the Virgin Mary in Art

In Nichori on the Bosphorus, the “THEOTOKEIA” cultural events, inaugurated with the presence of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sunday, 4 August 2024, continue.

The Board of Trustees of the Holy Church of Panagia Koumariotissa, under the leadership of the President Mr. Nicholas Kalamaris, and the “THEOTOKEIA” Coordinating Committee, are organising for the sixth year, on the occasion of the annual feast day of the Holy Church, the institutional and cultural events.

Events that highlight the history, culture and contemporary presence of the historical Community in Constantinople, are taking place again this year from 4 August to 15 September 2024. This is both an inspiration and implementation of Archon Grand Hartofilax of Great Church of Christ, Mr. Laki Vigas, who was for a number of years the president of the Community of Neochorion.

On Saturday 10 August, inside the Church of Panagia Koumariotissa, a special event was held with the title: “The unifying role of the Virgin Mary in Art”. The director of the “Theotokeia” Mr. Laki Vigas offered an introductory address, which was followed by the speakers: Mr. Andreas Andreopoulos, Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Nihan Çetinkaya, Art Historian, Vildan Papaker, Art Historian, and Ruhiye Onurel, Art Historian. The Moderator of the discussion was Ms. Evangelia Sarlak, who is a Professor of Art History.

Marking particular interest were the references to the presence of the Virgin Mary in the Quran and Islamic art, showcasing representations of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.

The event, which was held in both English and Turkish (with direct translation into both languages), was attended by many people, Greeks and Turks, as well as by several representatives of the academic community. A reception followed in the courtyard of the Church.

Source: fosfanariou.gr
Photographs: Fos Fanariou & Orbay Soydan