Izmir/Ephesus and Isle of Patmos

Izmir/Epheseus

After two days in Cappadocia, we caught a morning flight to Izmir.  First, we took a bus to the purported House of the Virgin Mary on Bulbul Mountain where some think that Mary spent her last days.  This paeceful spot overlooks Epheseus.

 Here we had another opportunity to hear from Michael Wilcox.  This time he spoke about Mary's role in the Savior's life and her influence in teaching Him "thy will be done".  He also spoke about Christ's first miracle being done at His mother's request and that it was a miracle of joy to enhance a wedding celebration.

Our next stop was Epheseus

Hal with the ruins of the ancient Agora (marketplace) in the background.

Our Turkish guide - Tyler ( with the yellow flag) and some of the members of our group on the Agora.

Our group gathered in the Odeon ( a small auditorium used for city meetings and concerts) to listen to Michael Wilcox.  He spoke about the apostle Paul coming to Ephesus on his third mission and the themes of his ministry: faith, love and unity.

As we walked down The Curetes Street (the main road through the remains of Ephesus), Michael Wilcox pointed out a fig tree and spoke about the parable of the fig tree (Luke 18:6) and the incident in the Savior's life when he cursed the unfruitful fig tree. (Matt. 21:17-22)

A relief of the goddess of  Victory Nike

The Great Goddess Diana or Artemis(heathen goddess worshipped by the Ephesians)

A lucrative trade was developed by the silversmiths in silver replicas of Diana. As the result of Paul’s powerful ministry in Ephesus, not only were curious arts and books of divination burned, but the silver shrine of Diana trade also received its death blow. Through the intervention of the town clerk of Ephesus, Paul was saved from rough handling by the enraged silversmiths. (Acts 19:24-41)

An Ephesus cat.

The public bathrooms of ancient Ephesus

Apparently using the restroom was a social affair!

In front of the Grand Theatre of Ephesus

This theatre was built by the Romans in 41 - 54 AD and seated 24,500 people.

After our tour of Ephesus, we were taken by bus to our hotel.

The lovely view of the harbor of Izmir as seen from our hotel balcony

Dinner in the hotel dining room with Steve and Becky

The beautiful sunset we saw as we looked out on the harbor

Trip to the Isle of Patmos

The next morning we left at sunrise to take a ferry to the Greek Island of Patmos for the day.  The trip over was 4 hours each way.  While we traveled, Michael Wilcox taught us about the apostle John and his Book of Revelation.  He helped us to better understand this beautiful book of scripture.

Arriving at Patmos

Once we arrived, we boarded a bus which took us most of the way to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian.  We had a bit of a hike to get to the top.

This medieval monastery looks more like a fortress than a house of prayer and was built to withstand pirate attacks.

The view of the island from the top was spectacular.

We entered the St. John Monastery (Eastern Orthodox church) and took a tour.  This monastery was completed in the 11th century and built in honor of the apostle John.

There were paintings and mosaics.

 The inside of the church was ornately decorated with chandeliers, murals and gold leaf over carved wood.

Next we went by bus to the Cave of the Apocalypse where the Greek Orthodox believe John the apostle received his visions recorded in the Book of Revelation.

We took more photos of the view.

We ate lunch on the island and then boarded the boat for our return trip to Izmir.

We were treated to another beautiful sunset that night.

Last day in Ephesus/Izmir

We visited The Basilica of St. John which sits on the hillside beneath the Ayasuluk Fortress and overlooking Ephesus.  This church was completed in 568 AD and is believed by some to be  built on John's burial place. Many others believe as we do that John did not die but is in an altered state and continuing his mission upon the earth.

Ruins of the Basilica of St. John

The ruins include a baptismal font.

As we boarded the bus for the airport, we saw this interesting bird (Ken you will have to tell me what kind it is) feeding the chicks in its nest.

Our next stop - Thessaloniki and Meteora!