Under the inspiration of a new found friend, I decided to start a blog site. I have named it SanctaSophiaFan. A strange name? For me, NO; but for someone else to understand, YES. Let me explain.
I was just in Istanbul on my way back from Rome after having to go there for a meeting. I have never been to Istanbul and discovered just an incredible city. It has been the centre of three empires and today I found it to be a friendly and easy to use place with so much to see and experience.
I visited Sancta Sophia there. It is now a museum, having been wisely declared that by Ataturk, the founder of modern day Turkey. Well before being a museum, it had been the focus of faith for the three empires centred in Constantinople, now known as Istanbul - Roman, Byzantium, Ottaman Empires. It was built 1,500 years ago as the then Church of Christendom. It was built in six years by 1,000 master craftsmen and 10,000 labourers. The result, as I experienced even today, was a church that is just awe inspiring. You go in and see the massive dome and the wonderful icons, and it just makes you want to wonder at life and the dimension of the other. On entering, I just stood there and looked upwards and just felt inspried, touched by an experience of the other. It is hard to put into words.
So I am the Sancta Sophia Fan.
I am John Murray, an Australian, Catholic priest of the Order of St Augustine. I live and work in Thailand and have been here since October 2005. I have many stories from my life journey and would simply like to share some of them. So hope you enjoy and go away sometime with a smile or a helpful little insight.
We gather
to give thanks for my 25 years.
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