The Naos
The naos preserves most of its fourteenth-century marble revetments but
few mosaics. The vaults and upper walls were probably decorated with the
major scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin, the so-called Dodekaorton
or Feast Cycle, as was standard in a Byzantine Church, along with a bust of
Christ in the Dome and the Virgin enthroned in the apse. Some decorative
mosaics survive in the reveals of the windows.

1-2 Left and right of the sanctuary are framed mosaic icons of Christ (1) and
the Virgin (2), who are shown in pendant images throughout the building.
Both are damaged. The figures are identified by inscriptions, which
accompany their images throughout the building.

Christ’s inscription is only partially preserved but originally read as “Dwelling-place (chora) of the Living.”

The Virgin is inscribed “Dwelling-place (chora) of the Uncontainable.” Both play on the name of the monastery, Chora, giving it a mystical meaning as appellations of the Virgin and Christ.

Christ is depicted holding the gospels open at Matthew n:28: “Come unto me, all
ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The image of the Virgin is a common iconic type known as the Hodegetria, believed to be based on a portrait painted by St. Luke.

3.The only remaining part of this decorative program is the Koimesis, or
Dormition of the Virgin, above the western entrance. This panel had been
plastered and painted to resemble marble and was thus preserved. Following
a common Byzantine iconography, the Virgin lies on a funeral bier and is
surrounded by the Apostles and other mourners. Behind her is Christ,
who has descended in a blaze of glory to carry her soul-represented as
a swaddled infant-up to heaven. Christ is garbed in gilded drapery,
surrounded by a mandorla filled with elegant grisaille angels.