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Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos (Istanbul)

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In the Fifth century, Holy Emperor Leo the Great oversaw the building of a church named in the honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. It was built in the Seven Towers district of Constantinople.

Story Behind the Church’s Creation

The site was chosen by Leo due to a divine experience the emperor went through earlier in his life. Leo was walking in a forested area when he saw a blind man who asked him for water to quench his thirst. It was then that Leo heard a message from a voice saying that there was water deep within the woods that the man could drink. The clay from its waters would be able to heal the man’s eyes. The Theotokos also prophesied at this time that Leo would one day become emperor of Constantinople. Leo listened to the voice, quenched the man’s thirst, and allowed him to gain sight just as the Mother of God proclaimed.

This site was where Emperor Leo decided to build the church in her name. The blessed water continued to work miracles for others and earned the name: “The Live-Giving Spring.