Editor: Rasim Terzi (Fri, Jun 28, 2024 4:53 PM) Origin of the Name Chora Free Quote

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Origin of the Name "Chora Kariye in Turkish"

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Origin of the Name Chora

 

The name "Kariye" is derived from the Greek word "Chora." "Chora" in Greek means "countryside" or "rural area." There are several reasons for the use of this name:

1. **Located Outside Constantine's Walls**:

   - The Chora Monastery was located outside the walls of Constantine, hence it was referred to by this name. Therefore, the word "Chora" denotes an area situated physically outside the city.

2. **Meaning in the Mosaics**:

   - In the mosaics of Kariye, the phrase "chora ton zonton" (place of the living) is found. This phrase signifies both the religious significance of the monastery and the abode of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

3. **Connection with Psalms**:

   - The word "Chora" is connected to Psalm 27:13, which states, "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living," and Psalm 116:9, which says, "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." These psalms reinforce the spiritual meaning of the monastery.

4. **Divine Attribute of the Virgin Mary**:

   - "Chora" is also associated with one of the divine attributes of the Virgin Mary. In the 9th verse of the Akathistos Hymn, it refers to her as the “container of the uncontainable.” Saint Gregory and Patriarch Cyril of Alexandria also described the Virgin Mary as "the one who contains the uncontainable."

These various meanings and religious references demonstrate that the name "Kariye" carries deep significance both geographically and spiritually.

Fri, Jun 28, 2024 4:53 PM

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