I was on my walk-a-bout town this morning and thought I would explore a new area of Plovdiv. Having read about old town, I wanted to check out this neighbourhood to see the old houses from the 18th & 19th centuries. What I found instead was the Church of St Constantine and Helena.
I must apologize for the quality of most of the pictures. It was quite dim inside, and my phone takes poor photographs under such conditions.
Brief History
This stunning church was first constructed in 337 AD on the site of an ancient pagan temple. It has seen numerous reconstructions over the years and its current form dates from 1832. The church was named after Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother.
Eastern Orthodox
The largest religion here in Bulgaria is Eastern Orthodox representing 83% of the people. Secondly are the Muslims representing 10%. I had never visited or seen an Eastern Orthodox church and what I saw this day was incredible.
The Exterior
As I entered through the gate, the first thing my eyes gravitated to was an incredible painted portico. Just viewing those pictures, I knew I must be in a religious house.
Turning to the left was a beautiful bell tower stretching up into the sky and painted brilliant white with blue embellishments.
To the right was a small garden area with benches and a fountain. The courtyard was so peaceful and beautiful in the sunshine.
The Interior
Well, it took my breath away. The gold!!! The entire interior is covered in frescoes, icons and lavish wooden decorative features. Ancient benches line the sides of the church and two rows in the middle.
No area was blocked off to me as I explored. I could approach everything up close and look at the magnificent treasures. I actually couldn’t believe that some of these items were not enclosed, encased or behind barricades.
There were silver embellished frames. Others lined with gemstones and the most beautiful tiny paintings in the centre. My eyes could not engage with all they were seeing.
I will return to this church again. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty, colour and opulence that I’m afraid I was unable to absorb all that I was seeing. What an amazing church to be my first experience with the Eastern Orthodox religion.
