Saint Theodore Tagar Church

Saint Theodore Tagar Church

Located in Yeşilöz Village, approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Ürgüp, Saint Theodore Church boasts a unique "Three Leaf Clover Plan" that distinguishes it from other rock-cut churches in the region.

Upon entering the church and turning left, visitors can access the naos through the western exedra. The naos consists of three semi-circles arranged in a square center, with the main apse located higher than ground level on the east side. Due to the church's layout, the altar is positioned on the inner surface of the main apse.

Saint Theodore Tagar Church

The Deesis scene, featuring Jesus with Mary, John, and two angels, Michael and Gabriel, is located on the main apse and the north-eastern exedra semi-domes. Jesus is depicted holding a book and making a sign of blessing with his right hand. The halo surrounding Jesus is composed of five stars on a round medallion. Two bust-shaped figures with inscriptions, Ioakim and Anna, appear near Jesus' feet.

Below the Deesis scene, a horizontal strip separates seven of the nine bishop figures, including St. Germanios, St. Balsios, St. Ephipanios, St. Gregorios, St. Basileios, St. Ephipanios, and St. Ionnes Krysostomos, from the rest of the painting.

An image of Jesus in the apse depicts him as a bust, holding one book in his left hand and making a blessing motion with his right hand. John the Baptist stands to his right, while Mary points at him and gestures with her hands to his left. Two figures appear as busts in round medallions between their knees. St. Julietta appears on both sides of the halo surrounding the figure next to John, while St. Kiryakos is next to the halo around the figure next to Mary.

The church also features numerous depictions of saints and scenes from Jesus' life. A row of round icons on the lower roof depicts the Martyrs of Sebaste, 40 saints killed by Romans in AD 306. Six Old Testament prophets, including Solomon and David, appear in the apse-arch, while Saints Theodore and George can be seen on the bottom right side of the south wall. Overall, Saint Theodore Church offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region.