SOPHIA CATHEDRAL IN CONSTANTINOPLE AND FORMATION OF RUS’-UKRAINE CHURCH CONSTRUCTION TRADITIONS
In the Byzantine-Slavic culture, the tradition of honoring Sophia – the Wisdom of God – is very important. The idea of Sofia acquired special significance in the Ancient Rus written culture and fine arts. The Constantinople temple of Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in the Middle Ages was often described not only by Byzantine authors, but also by the Westerners. Information about this temple also became a common theme in the written culture of Russia. Kievan and Novgorod scribes often resorted to a description of the architecture and artistic characteristics of the majestic Constantinople Temple.