Irene Doukaina and the double monastery of the Theotokos Kecharitomene and Christ Philanthropos: relation between private piety and ktetorship

The main preoccupation of this paper is a life, private piety and ktetorship roman empress Irene Doukaina, as well the political aspect her ktetorship. She was wife emperor Alexios I Komnenos. At beginning 12th century together with husband founded double monastery dedicated to Theotokos Kecharitomene (Full Grace) Christ Philanthropos (Man-Loving). It located in 10th district Constantinople where all Komnenian monasteries were grouped, between aqueduct Valence south Blachernae palace north. Today, complex no longer exists, we know about it based on preserved typikon Kecharitomene. This first real common endowments ruling couple. final resting place ktetors. In early some changes happened when comes devotion saints. Members royal family had special personal relationship saints through which see themselves parallel earthly reflection Mother God. couple who saw counterpart God, Doukaina. new, more God reflected visual culture model endowment consecration churches. Alexios’ male Irene’s female monastery. During reign for time Roman empire protective role so obviously bound exclusively members imperial family. Kecharitomene, not only expression Irina’s votive gift protector an intercessor at Last Judgement but also power