TheHodegon Monastery (alsoMonastery of the Panaghia Hodegetria orMonastery of the Hodegoi) inConstantinople was allegedly[1] founded by SaintPulcheria (399–453), a daughter of EmperorArcadius. The monastery is considered one of the three main Marian foundations built in the city along with theBlachernai and the Chalkoprateia.[2]
The monastery was situated beyond the Chalkoprateia by the sea and served as the counterpart of the Blachernai so that these structures bracket the city of Constantinople as well as the processions such as the weekly Blachernai procession that began at theTheodosian walls and ended at Chalkoprateia.[3] However, the exact location of the monastery is still subject to discussion.[4] The Hodegon Monastery is believed to be named after the termhodegoi, which referred to the guides who led the blind toward the miraculous well within the structure.[5]
Tradition states that the monastery held theIcon of the Hodegetria, believed to have been painted bySaint Luke. According to an account by Xanthopoulos, this relic was brought fromAntioch.[2] While it was at Hodegon,Ruy Gonzales de Clavijo described it sometime in 1403 to 1406 as a painting with a square panel that was covered with precious stones such asemeralds,sapphires,topaz, andpearls.[6] When the icon was sent to Pulcheria, she took a vow of chastity.[7] The name of the icon,Panagia Hodegetria ("She who shows the Way"), is given through the legend which tells that nearby the church of the monastery was a source where the blind and all who suffered eye disorders came to be healed, since the Holy Virgin would have appeared to two blind people and guided them here where she restored their vision. The sanctuary was rebuilt byEmperorMichael III (842–867) but today only a few ruins are visible nearGülhane Park.[8]
41°0′32.51″N28°59′6.12″E / 41.0090306°N 28.9850333°E /41.0090306; 28.9850333
 | ThisByzantine Empire–related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
