Ephasus was certainly the most impressive archeological site we have seen. During John’s time, the city was located on the coast but over the course of time, the river has filled in creating a flat plain. Ephasus is a remarkably sophisticated city that is amazingly well-preserved. We walked the streets that Paul walked, prayed in the great theater where Paul so eloquently presented the gospel which led to a riot, and walked through the library where the greatest minds of the day spent their time. From the library, there was an underground tunnel that led to the “red-light” district (so men told their wives they were at the “library”!). There was a shopping plaza, underground plumbing, lit streets, and a bath house where the men sat on toilets all in a row while being entertained with live music. The Great Amphitheater sits 25,000 people and has, in modern times, hosted the likes of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the Philharmonic Orchestra. Leaving the archeological site, we drove into the town where we visited a Turkish rug store. Several of us purchased rugs.
Back on the ship for lunch and naps, we set sail for the small Greek island of Patmos where St John’s Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse are located. John was “imprisoned” on Patmos and eventually had a vision in a small cave overlooking the island and Aegean Sea. It was here that he wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor as recorded in the book of Revelation. Above the grotto, high on the hill of Patmos is St John’s Monastery built in 1100 by a Greek Orthodox monk named Christophosus. This monastery is rich in history and a storehouse of icons, handwritten parchment books, and relics. Patmos is a quaint little island, and we enjoyed some free time in the town, munching on pastries, tea and coffee.
Back to the boat for more food and bed in preparation for sailing to Rhodes tonight. We will wake up early in the morning to find out who our new president will be.
Back on the ship for lunch and naps, we set sail for the small Greek island of Patmos where St John’s Monastery and Grotto of the Apocalypse are located. John was “imprisoned” on Patmos and eventually had a vision in a small cave overlooking the island and Aegean Sea. It was here that he wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor as recorded in the book of Revelation. Above the grotto, high on the hill of Patmos is St John’s Monastery built in 1100 by a Greek Orthodox monk named Christophosus. This monastery is rich in history and a storehouse of icons, handwritten parchment books, and relics. Patmos is a quaint little island, and we enjoyed some free time in the town, munching on pastries, tea and coffee.
Back to the boat for more food and bed in preparation for sailing to Rhodes tonight. We will wake up early in the morning to find out who our new president will be.