The inauguration of the Nea Ekklesia took place under the reign of Emperor Basil I, who sought to reaffirm the authority and cultural significance of the Byzantine Empire during the 9th century. Built in the 880s, this church was located in Constantinople, the empire's capital, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The Nea Ekklesia was designed as a monumental structure reflecting the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire. Notably, it introduced the cross-in-square architectural style, a design that would influence numerous Orthodox churches in the following centuries. The church featured domes, intricate mosaics, and a layout that focused on the centralized plan, which became a hallmark of Byzantine church architecture.

The Nea Ekklesia was more than a religious edifice; it represented the intersection of faith and imperial power. Its establishment coincided with a period of religious consolidation within the empire, as the Orthodox Church sought to assert its role in the socio-political landscape. The architectural triumph of the Nea Ekklesia was complemented by its rich decorative scheme, showcasing the advanced artistic capabilities of the Byzantine craftspeople at the time. The use of symbolism in the church's design underscored themes of light, divinity, and the connection between heaven and earth, reflecting the spiritual aspirations of the Byzantine Empire.

Moreover, the Nea Ekklesia's inauguration was a public spectacle that illustrated the emperor's commitment to religion and the arts. It was attended by clergy, nobility, and citizens of Constantinople, signifying the church's importance in the urban and spiritual life of the city. The influence of the Nea Ekklesia extended beyond its immediate context, as it set a precedent for subsequent church designs, imbuing them with an imperial identity that echoed through centuries of Orthodox architectural tradition. Its legacy remains evident in the continued reverence for the cross-in-square plan in modern Orthodox churches.