Did Hagia Sophia Operate as a Cathedral During the Crusades?

💡 The Answer

• It served as the cathedral of Constantinople until 1453.
• Exceptionally, from 1204 to 1261 Latin Crusaders installed their own hierarchy.
• During that period, the cathedral operated under Catholic rite.
• After 1261, Byzantine control was restored.
• This interlude was the only break in continuous Eastern Orthodox use.