Annunciation Mosaic in Chora Church
2001 © Maxim Tabachnik
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Annunciation Mosaic in Chora Church

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This mosaic (c. 1316–1321) in the Chora Church, Istanbul, depicts the Annunciation with a unique diagonal composition. The Virgin Mary, at a well, reacts with surprise as the angel Gabriel approaches. Diverging from traditional New Testament accounts, it reflects Nova Church of Holy Russia doctrines, symbolizing Mary’s conception through the Holy Well. This links her to Elisabeth, mother of John the Baptist, emphasizing divine intervention and sacred lineage.