The Esonarthex (or inner narthex) is parallel to the Exonarthex and similarly it is 4m wide wide , but it is only 18m long . Its central door , located to the east , opens into the naos , whilst another door , at the southern end of the Esonarthex opens into the rectangular ante-chamber of the parecclesion . There are two domes above the Esonarthex . The smaller dome is located above the entrance to the northern corridor while the larger one is midway between the entrances into the naos and the pareclession .
The mosaics in the first three bays of the inner narthex depict the Life of the Virgin , and her parents including: Rejection of Joachim's offerings , Annunciation of Saint Anne , the angel of the Lord announcing to Anne that her prayer for a child has been heard , Meeting of Joachim and Anne , Birth of the Virgin Mary , First seven steps of the Virgin , The Virgin given affection by her parents , The Virgin blessed by the priests , Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple , The Virgin receiving bread from an Angel , The Virgin receiving the skein of purple wool , as the priests decided to have the attendant maidens weave a veil for the Temple , Zechariah praying , when
it was the time to marry for the Virgin , High Priest Zechariah called all the widowers together and placed their rods on the altar , praying for a sign showing to whom she should be given , The Virgin entrusted to Joseph , Joseph taking the Virgin to his house , Annunciation to the Virgin at the well , Joseph leaving the Virgin .
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