Synthronon

Hagia Irene, built in the 4th century at the place where the old church of the bishop of Byzantium stood before the refoundation of Constantine the Great, destroyed by fire in 532 AD and then rebuilt, Istanbul (39758849555)

Synthronon refers to a distinctive architectural feature found in early Christian and Byzantine church architecture. This element is an integral part of the apse of a church, where a tiered series of seats are built into the wall. These seats were reserved for the clergy and are often arranged in a semicircular formation, following the curvature of the apse. The central seat, usually more elaborately decorated, was designated for the bishop, known as the cathedra. The synthronon underscores the hierarchical structure of the early Christian church and emphasizes the communal aspect of worship, with the clergy visibly participating in the liturgical ceremonies.

History and Development

The origins of the synthronon can be traced back to the early Christian period, when the architectural form of the church was being developed and standardized. The practice of having a designated seating area for the clergy within the apse became widespread by the 4th century. This arrangement not only provided a practical solution for seating the clergy during services but also symbolized the unity and order of the church hierarchy. The most prominent and well-preserved examples of synthrona can be found in the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, where they were a common feature in the architectural layout of churches.

Architectural Features

A typical synthronon consists of a series of steps or benches that ascend towards the back of the apse. The number of rows can vary, but they are designed to accommodate the clergy according to their rank within the church hierarchy. The bishop's throne, positioned in the center of the synthronon, is often elevated and more elaborately decorated than the surrounding seats, highlighting his central role in the liturgy and governance of the church.

Significance

The synthronon is not only an architectural feature but also a liturgical one. It facilitated the participation of the clergy in the divine services, with the bishop and presbyters (priests) seated in a prominent position visible to the congregation. This arrangement reinforced the idea of the clergy as intermediaries between the divine and the faithful, with the bishop as the focal point of this spiritual hierarchy.

Examples

One of the most famous examples of a synthronon is found in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. Although the original seating has not survived, historical records and archaeological evidence indicate that it once possessed an impressive synthronon in its apse. Other notable examples include the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy, and the Church of Saint Irene in Istanbul, showcasing the widespread adoption and variation of this feature across different regions and periods.

Conclusion

The synthronon remains a significant aspect of early Christian and Byzantine church architecture, reflecting both the practical needs and theological concepts of the time. It illustrates the hierarchical structure of the early church and the communal nature of worship, where the clergy and laity come together in a sacred space. As an architectural feature, the synthronon highlights the creativity and adaptability of early Christian architects in merging functional requirements with symbolic meanings.