[540] Schmitt (_op. cit._ pp. 92-94) maintains that the parecclesion was originally the refectory of the monastery. But a refectory there would occupy a very unusual position. Nor do the frescoes on the walls of the parecclesion correspond to the decoration of the refectory with representations of flowers and of Christ's miracles, as described by Theodore Metochites: ... [Greek: kekosmêatai anthesi poikiloi i te poulychrouoisi te baphôn ... kai te diaperes apêgeatai mystêria thôymata Christou]. [541] F. W. Hasluck. Bithynica, _B.S.A. Annual XIII._, 1906-7. CHAPTER XXIV THE MOSAICS IN S. SAVIOUR IN THE CHORA As stated already, the mosaics on the vaults and lunettes of the arches in the outer narthex of the church portray scenes from the life of Christ, as recorded in the canonical and the apocryphal Gospels, while on the faces and soffits of the arches are depicted the figures of saints 'who desired to look into these things.' Scenes from the Saviour's life are also portrayed in the two bays to the west of the parecclesion, and in the domes and southern bay of the inner narthex. Inscriptions on the mosaics explain the subjects depicted. The scenes will be described according to the groups they form in the compartments of the narthex. [Illustration: FIG. 114.--PLAN OF THE NARTHEXES OF THE CHURCH, INDICATING POSITION OF THEIR MOSAICS.] [Illustration: PLATE XC. (1) S. SAVIOUR IN THE CHORA. MOSAIC REPRESENTING THE MIRACLE OF WATER TURNED INTO WINE. THE DATE 6811 (A.D. 1303), IN ARABIC NUMERALS, IS ABOVE THE LAST FIGURE ON THE RIGHT. _Sebah and Joaillier._ (2) S. SAVIOUR IN THE CHORA. MOSAIC REPRESENTING THE CARESSING OF MARY BY HER PARENTS, AND THE BLESSING OF MARY BY PRIESTS AT A BANQUET. _To face page 322._] OUTER NARTHEX _First Bay (at the north end)._ 1. In the northern lunette.--The angel announcing to Joseph, in a dream, the birth of Jesus. To the right, journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Simon the son of Joseph walks ahead, carrying a bundle. In the background, meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. 2. In the eastern lunette.--The registration of Joseph and Mary at Bethlehem before Cyrenius. (Said to be unique in the East.[542]) On the arch over the eastern lunette.--Busts (in medallions) of SS. Mardarius, Auxentius (only one letter of the name remains), SS. Eustratius, Orestes. 3. On the western lunette.--The Holy Family on the way to the first passover of Jesus at Jerusalem. On the arch over the western lunette.--The busts (in medallions) of SS. Anempodistus, Elpidephorus, Akindynus, Aphthonius, Pegasius. 4. In the vault.--The scene has disappeared. Possibly it represented Jesus among the doctors in the temple. 5. On the soffit of the transverse arch, between the first and second bays.--To the east, S. Andronicus; to the west, S. Tarachus. _Second Bay_