THE CHURCHES IN CAPPADOCIA, BUILT IN THE NAME OF SAINT GREGORIUS TEOLOGOS

Writer: Yavuz İşçen
August 2008

It is known that there are three churches in Cappadocia constructed in the name of Saint Gregorius Teologos. These are Cami Church in Güzelyurt, Kızıl (Red) Church close to Sivrihisar Village and the Çiftlik Cathedral in Niğde. The theme of this article is the churches constructed in the name of a saint, very important in Christian world.  Saint Gregorius Teologos, grew up in Cappadocia, is one of the three important saints of Christian world. These three saints; Basileos of Kayseri, Gregorius of Nevşehir and Gregorius of Nazianzos; are accepted as the founder of orthodox sect. It is thought that Saint Gregorius Teologos was born in 329 AC, in a small family farm named Arianzos, 7 km out of Karballa Village (Güzelyurt). Most probably this farm was in the area where Kızıl Church is located in Sivrihisar Village. It is known that the Saint died in the year of 390 and due to the hearsay he was buried in Kızıl Church. Later on his grave was pillaged by the robbers.

Cami Church: Today among the locals the church is known as Cami Church but in the records the church was remarked as Saint Gregorius Teologos Church. It is said that the Church has been constructed by Theodosius, the Byzantine Emperor in the year of 385. The Church, today in Aşağı District of Güzelyurt, had many renewals after its construction.  During these renewals, the Church was completely changed and able to reach today. The Church of today has closed Greek cross style.
Kızıl Church: It is one of the most attractive engraved churches in Cappadocia. It is located 1 km east of Sivrihisar Village, which is 6 km far away from Güzelyurt. The Church, placed on four pillars with a domed style, was constructed in the name of Saint Gregorius Teologos during the 5th century with a cross plan style. The frescos inside were not able to reach today but in some of the places the depiction of Saints in medal shape can be seen today.
Çiftlik Cathedral: The Cathedral was presumably constructed either in the 4th century or 5th century during Byzantine Empire in town center of Çiftlik of Niğde in the name of Saint Gregorius Teologos. Today the only little piece of remains of the Cathedral can be chased around the Mosque but unfortunately for today there is nothing left from the Cathedral. It was located in the area where today the central Mosque is situated.

Note: This article has been published in Peribacası Cappadocia Culture and Publicity Magazine, August 2008 issue. It is under protection of the copyrights of the magazine. No part of this article may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by electronic, mechanical or other means without prior permission from the owner. www.cappadociaexplorer.com