In the year 988 A.D., Russia sent envoys to compare its religious services with those of other religions they were considering adopting. The Hagia Sophia was so beautiful that they believed they were “in Heaven itself.” The Hagia Sophia, a magnificently decorated church, was so magnificent that it became almost mythical, known to the far-off Anglo-Saxons of England, who borrowed not only aspects of Byzantine art but also the title of Basileus for their king. Even the Vikings in distant Scandinavia and in Russland referred to Constantinople as Miklegard or Tsargrad (the Emperor’s city), of which the chief jewel was Hagia Sophia, a beautiful cathedral.

During the medieval period, the Hagia Sophia preserved a number of relics. Dating from the time of Christ or shortly thereafter, we discover that this church holds today what they believe is the true cross, the crown of thorns and the Virgin’s girdle and robe. The girdle and robe, were believed by the Byzantine populace to be the palladia (protectors) of Constantinople. Before the time of the schism in 1054 A.D., pilgrims from around the region came to participate in the liturgy held at Hagia Sophia, hypnotized by the remarkably moving chants of the patriarchal, antiphonal choirs. Some scholars believe that Pope Gregory The Great, after he was papal envoy in Constantinople (before 590), introduced into St. Peter’s at Rome the so-called Gregorian chant in imitation of the chanting in Hagia Sophia.

Since the time of Photios, changes have occurred. Differing views were given freedom of expression thanks to the Aggiornamento of Vatican ΙΙ. The words of our forefathers in the Faith at the Synod of Union (879-880 A.D.) should be taken to heart. The holy Synod said, “Every church has certain old usages which it has inherited. One should not quarrel and argue about them. Let the Roman Church observe its usages; this is legitimate. But let also the Church of Constantinople observe certain usages which it has inherited from old times. Let it be likewise so in the Orient... Many things would not have happened if the churches had followed this recommendation in the past.” So all were allowed autonomy, with freedom to choose their own way of expressing this unity in the churches.