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Home , Aigai (Aeolis), Antioch of Pisidia, Church of Mary, Harran, Lystra, Perga

Biblical References Spiritual PLACE REFERENCE

Adramyttium :2 :19-27; 13:1; 14:26, 15:22-35, Gal. 2:11, II Tim. 3:11 :13,14 Journeys Attalia :25 Bithniya Province (Nicaea) :7, I Pet 1:1 Province :9, I Pet 1:1 II Chro. 35:20, Isa 10:9, Jer 46:2 Cnidus Acts 27:7 Col. 1:2 Acts 14:6 - 20;4 :19-24; 19:1-35; 20:16-17; 21:29, 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8, I Tim. 1:3 II Tim. 1:18; 4:12, Rev. 1:11, 2:1 River Gen. 2:14; Jer. 13:4, 6, Rev. 9:4; 16:2 Province Acts 16:6; 18:23, I Cor. 16:1, Gal 1:2; 3:1, II Tim 4:10, I Pet 1:1 II Kings 19:12, Isa. 37:12, Ezek. 27:23, :2-4 Col 4:13 Iconium :51; 14:1-21; 16:2, II Tim. 3:11 Laodecia Col 2:1; 4:13-16, Rev. 1:11; 3:14 Acts 14:6-21; 16:1-2, II Tim. 3:11 Acts 20:15-17, II Tim. 4:20 Mt. Ararat Gen 8:4, II Kings 19:37, Isa 37:38 Acts 27:5-6 :1-2 Acts 13:13-14; 14:25 Pergamum Rev. 1:11; 2:12 Rev. 1:11; 3:7 Pisidian Antioch Acts 13:14; 14:19-21, I Tim. 3:11 Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4 Acts 13:4 Rev. 1:11; 2:8 :11; 9:30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3 Acts 16:14, Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24 River Gen. 2:14, 10:4 Troas Acts 16:8-11; 20:5, 6, II Tim. 4:13 II Cor. 2:12

All www.spiritual-journeys.com programs are operated by Biblical Discovery & Study Fortis Travel www.fortistravel.com Member of unites and Europe where the Churches of the waters of the Black Sea run into the (Apocalypse). With the increased Mediterranean. A paradise of focus of biblical interpreters on sea, sun, lakes and mountains, modern day Turkey, names it encompasses such and places that were once legendary sites as Mt. obscure have become Ararat, the House of identifiable and accessible. Mary and the underground As research continues, the cities of Cappadocia. role of in the early history of is Asiatic Turkey, known as Anatolia, is becoming undeniable. the site of many significant historical events mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments, Now it is possible to explore this historic land where starting with Genesis and continuing on to the Seven Christianity was introduced to the western world. Biblical Sites

EDEN Genesis 2:1\4 with . Tarsus is also the site where Stephen was stoned to death Many scholars believe the Garden of Eden was located in central Turkey for preaching the . in the fertile area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. ANTIOCH-OF- (YALVAC) Acts 13-14, 13:46 MT. ARARAT Genesis 8:4 Paul delivered his first recorded sermon on the Sabbath in a synagogue Located in eastern Turkey, Mt.Ararat is where Josephus and later Marco in Antioch-of-Pisidia (Yalvac, Turkey). It is likely that Paul came Polo claim to have seen 's Ark. through Antioch-of-Pisidia again on his second and third journeys,

HARRAN Genesis 12:4 PERGA (PERGE) Acts 13:13 The town of (Turkey), the residance of and his family On their first journey, Paul and Barnabas passed through Perga (, was the point of departure for the journey to . Turkey) on their way to and from Antioch-of-Psidia. was travelling with them, but decided to return to from Perga. At ANTIOCH-ON-THE-ORONTES Acts 11:26-27, 13:1-3, 15:22-35 this point in the Book of the Acts, Luke starts to refer to Saul by his (ANTAKYA) Roman name, Paul. Antioch-on-the-Orontes (Antakya, Turkey) was the first community of followers of to be called Christian. ICONIUM () Acts 13:51, 14:1, 14:21 The city was the launching point for Paul's missionary Paul and Barnabas visited Iconium (Konya, Turkey) journey with Barnabas. It was also here that Jesus was during their first journey and preached at a first considered not only the savior of Hellenized or synagogue. Orthodox Jews, but the savior of all people. Years later, and Judas brought a letter to Antioch- LYSTRA Acts 14:6, 14:8-12 on-the-Orontes welcoming the Gentiles who had On his first missionary journey to Lystra, Paul not been circumcised into Christian fellowship. was mistaken for a God after he cured a man. During his second journey, Paul met Timothy in (SAMANDAG) Lystra. Acts 13:4 Seleucia Pieria (Samandag, Turkey) is the port Acts 16:8-9, 20:9-10 from which Barnabas and Paul set sail for In Alexandria Troas (Canakkale, Turkey), Paul on their first missionary journey. received visions from God instructing him to go to Macedonia and spread the word of Jesus. On his TARSUS :1-2, 11:25, 22:3 third missionary journey, he brought back to life Paul was born in Tarsus around the same time Christ was Eutychus, a boy who fell asleep during his sermon and fell born in Bethlehem. Paul lived here until he begun his ministry from a three-story window ledge.

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Day 1: Arrival in Izmir You are met at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening enjoy a welcome drink during a short briefing by your tour director on your tour program.

Pergamum Day 2: Izmir-Pergamum-Thyatira-Izmir Thytira Smyrna Sardis In the morning visit Pergamum (Rev.2:12-17) and Asclepeion, home of Philadelphia the famous physician Galen. Continue to Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29, Acts Ephesus Laodicea 16:14), known for its guilds of artists in the time of St. Paul.

Day 3: Izmir- Ephesus- Izmir Today will be a day of unforgettable sightseeing. Explore Ephesus (Rev. 1:11, 2:1-7, Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-4) which was home of St. Paul between Churches of Revelation. Later relax in Pamukkale where cascading 54-57 AD and which is considered to be one of the best- hot springs flow into limestone basins. preserved archaeological sites in the world. Sit in the very theatre where St. Paul preached. Visit the of St. John where, according to the Day 5: Pamukkale-Philadelphia- legend, is the home and burial ground of Sardis-Izmir Virgin Mary. In the morning visit Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7- 13). Then continue to Sardis (Rev. 3:16) in Day 4: Izmir-Aphodisias- the afternoon. Laodicea- Pamukkale Dedicated to the goddess of love and once Day 6: Izmir famous for its Sculpture School, is Today visit Smyrna, the last one of the Seven an ancient city that dates back 2000 years. Spend Churches of Revelation (Rev. 2:9). the morning hours viewing an extensive collection of ornate statues and remains of an ancient stadium. Then travel Day 7: Departure or any extension to Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22, Col. 2:1, 4:13-16), one of the Seven Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

For extensions to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and visit us at www.spiritual-journeys.com St. Paul's Journeys Through Asia Minor

About St. Paul marched through southern Anatolia in 334 BC enroute to his lightning The Apostle Paul is, next to Jesus, clearly the most intriguing figure of conquest of the East. The most famous person associated with Tarsus in the 1st century of Christianity, and far better known than Jesus because religious history is . Paul was born a Jew of the tribe of he wrote all of those letters that we have [as] primary sources. Benjamin in Tarsus about AD 10 and spent his early years here.

Early Christian missionary and theologian, known as the Apostle to the Antioch-birthplace of Christianity gentiles. Born a Jew in Tarsus, Asia Minor, he was trained as a rabbi but Although Jesus Christ was born in Israel, the name "Christian" is earned his living as a tentmaker. A zealous Pharisee, he persecuted the attributed to his followers not in Israel but in Antioch (Antakya), from first until a vision of Jesus, experienced while on the road to where Christianity spread all over the world. , converted him to Christianity. Three years later he met St. Peter and Jesus' brother James, and was henceforth recognized as the (When he found him, he took him to Antioch, and for a whole year, the 13th Apostle. From his base in Antioch, he travelled widely preaching two met with the people of the church and taught a large group. It to the gentiles. Paul's ministry and religious views are was at Antioch that believers were first called Christians. known largely from his letters, or epistles, Act.Ap. 11:26) Today's ANTAKYA (Antioch) is a collected in the , which are the city in the southern part of Turkey on the first Christian theological writing and the shores of the . Tradition source of much Christian doctrine. It was has it that Peter was the first to establish a due to Paul more than anyone else that church in Antioch; this belief is based on Christianity became a world religion. the references in Acts 9:32 and in 2:11. When Barnabas was sent Tarsus-Paul's Birthplace: shortly thereafter by the Jerusalem church Paul's birthplace of Tarsus is one of the to Antioch, he encountered an enthusiastic oldest settlements in . Excavators community. Needing a helper, he went up to working on the mound rising in the north-west Tarsus .to get Paul to join him. Together they quarter in the city have uncovered evidence of worked in Antioch for some time before they settlements here in the , Early Bronze, started off on their first missionary journey. It was to Hittite, Hellenistic and Roman periods. identify this large group as distinct from the rest of the Jewish congregation that they were given the name "Christian". Antioch Among the famous people of Tarsus is the name of Sit Aleyhisselam, served as the home base for Peter, Paul and Barnabas; shortly it became known as 's son Seth; he is buried in a mausoleum on the eastern the third most important bishopric (after Jerusalem and ) in the side of Ulu Mosque. The Emperor the Apostate was buried in developing church Antioch Although Jesus Christ was born in Israel, Tarsus after his defeat in the battle with the Persians in 364. His heir, the name "Christian" is attributed to his followers not in Israel but in Hadrian, who was with him, assumed the power. Antioch (Antakya), from where Christianity spread all over the world.

To spread the Gospel, St. Paul made three extensive St. Paul Missionary Journeys missionary journeys through southern and western Anatolia between 45 and 58 A.D. St. Paul' s first sermon Alexandria Troas was delivered in Antioch- Assos of-Pisidia (modern day Yalvac). Subsequently, Antioch-of-Pisidia he visited over 20 cities in Asia Minor. As noted in Iconium Ephesus the Book of Acts, these Miletus Lystra Derbe cities include Ephesus, Iconium (Konya), Lystra Attalia Perga Tarsus and Assos. Through Patara Antioch-on-the-Orontes Paul's initiative, Christianity spread north Seleucia and west and became the St. Paul's First Journey (47 - 49 A.D.) state religion in 330 A.D. Salamis St. Paul's Second Journey (50 - 53 A.D.) with St. Paul's Third Journey (53 - 57 A.D.) (modern day Istanbul) as its capital.

www.spiritual-journeys.com In The Steps of St. Paul

Day 1: Arrival in You are met at the airport by a Fortis Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening a short briefing on your tour Istanbul program will be given by your tour director. Canakkale Alexandria Troas Ankara Assos Pergamum Thytira Day 2: Ankara-Cappadocia Sardis In the morning visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. After lunch Izmir Philadelphia Cappadocia Ephesus Konya continue on to mystical Cappadocia. Laodicea Antalya Adana Tarsus Day 3: Cappadocia Antioch Today explore biblical Cappadocia. Tour Goreme with its rock churches decorated with Christian frescoes, perfect examples of the Cappadocia art school during the Byzantine period. Then visit the Byzantine Day 10: Sardis-Philadelphia-Smyrna monastic complex of Zelve and the village of Avanos, which is famous Today visit Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) and Sardis (Rev. 3:16) where St. for its pottery. Paul preached. Then continue to Smyrna where St. Paul preached for his peoples' faithfulness.

Day 4: Cappadocia-Adana Day 11: Ephesus-Miletus-Izmir In the morning visit one of the many underground cities of the region, In the morning explore Ephesus (Rev. 1:12, 2:1-7, Acts 18:19-28, Kaymakli or Derinkuyu where the early Christians sought 19:1-4), which was home to St. Paul between 54-57 AD and sanctuary to escape persecution. After lunch continue to which is considered to be one of the best-preserved Adana. archaeological sites in the world. Sit in the very theatre where St. Paul preached. Visit the church Day 5: Antioch-Adana of St. John, where according to the legend, he Today explore Antioch-on-the-Orontes, the was buried. In the afternoon continue to city closely linked to the early history of Miletos (Acts 20:15) visited by St. Paul at Christianity. Begin your day with a visit to the end of his third journey, as he was the cave where St. Peter first celebrated the hurrying to get to Jerusalem to Pentcost mass. After lunch visit the museum, dinner. second in the world, where you will see beautiful Roman . Day 12: Thytira-Pergamum- Assos Day 6: Tarsus-Lystra-Konya In the morning visit Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29, Begin your day with a visit to Tarsus, St. Paul's Acts 16:14) known for its guilds of artists in birthplace. Continue to Lystra, where Paul met the time of St. Paul. Then continue to Pergamum Timothy during his second missionary journey. (Rev 2:12-17), which is the home to the famous Continue to Konya. physician Galen.

Day 7: Konya-Antalya Day 13: Assos- Alexandria Troas-Istanbul In the morning visit the mystical museum of Mevlana, known in the Visit Assos (Acts 20:13-14) where St. Paul was joined by Luke and got western world as Rumi, the former convent of the Whirling Dervishes on the boat to the island of Lesbos during his third missionary journey and the great Islamic philosopher. Then drive to Antalya, the city (Acts 16:8-11, 20:5-12, Cor. 2:12-13, Tim 4:13). Take the ferry across visited by St. Paul during his first missionary journey (Acts 13:13). the to for Istanbul.

Day 8: Perge-Myra-Antalya Day 14: Istanbul In the morning visit Perge, strolling in the same walkway St. Paul walked In the morning visit the two masterpieces of Byzantine era, Chora and to give his sermon (Acts 13:13, 14:25). Then visit Myra, another St. Sophia. Then visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome ancient coastal city visited by Paul, Luke and Aristarchus (Acts 27:5-6) and the amazing underground cistern. and where St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) lived. Day 15: Istanbul Day 9: Leodicia-Hierapolis Relax with a cruise on the Bosphorus on your last day in Turkey. In the After breakfast continue to Hierapolis (Col 4:13), home of Philip the afternoon explore the famous Grand Bazaar. Evangelist, stopping at nearby Leodicia (Rev. 3:14-22, Col 2:1, 13-16), then visit the Roman health spa with its lime cascades and the Day 16: Departure martyrion of St. Philip. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

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Day 1: Arrive Day 6: -Greek/Turkish Border-Canakkale Arrive in Istanbul and take the connecting flight to Athens. Arrival in Athens. Meet At 08:00 am we leave the beautiful and picturesque city of Kavala, and by bus we and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens. proceed to Alexandroupolis near the Greek-Turkish borders. Here we say good-bye to our Greek guide and driver. Cross the Dardanelles Strait by car ferry. Dinner and Day 2 : Athens-Corinth-Athens overnight in Canakkale. At 08:00 am, our excursion out of Athens takes us by the Saronic Gulf, where in 480 BC history's root was changed! The small Grecian fleet managed to defeat the Day 7: Alexander Troas-Pergamum-Smyrna (Izmir) enormously powerful armada of the Persians. From here, via the historic Corinthian Drive to Alexandria Troas(Acts 16:8-11; 20:5, 6, II Tim. 4:13 II Cor. 2:12) founded by Canal, we arrive at (Acts 18:1-18). It was to this megalopolis where Alexander the Great. Paul visited here at least twice. Then drive to Assos, this the apostle Paul came and worked, established a thriving church, subsequently Hellenistic city where Paul rejoined his companions. Then drive to Pergamum (Rev. sending two of his epistles now part of the New Testament. Here, we see all of the 1:11; 2:12). Visit the with the steepest theater of the ancient world and the sites associated with his ministry: the , the of , the Roman Temple of . Then visit the Red Basilica which was an Egyptian Temple, later Odeon, the Bema and Gallio's Seat. The small archaeological museum here is an converted to a church in the 1st century. It is also considered as one of the Seven absolute must! We see the ruins of early Christian 5th century basilica in Cenchreae Churches of the Revelation. Continue to Smyrna (Rev. 1:11; 2:8) modern day before returning to Athens. In the afternoon we enjoy our Izmir for dinner and overnight. sightseeing tour of Athens (:15). We climb up to the -capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon Day 8: Izmir-Sardis-Izmir and the Erechteion. Then, we go to nearby Mars' Hill Visit the Alexander the Great's Castle and the Agora in (or Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where the Apostle Paul Izmir. Then drive to Sardes capital of the ancient delivered his well-known sermon. Our tour where first coin of the world is invented. See continues with the highlights of modern Athens: the ruins of the 1st century Church and the third we pass by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, century Synagogue. Dinner and overnight in Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Izmir. Panathenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian , the , the University and the National Day 9: Ephesus-Izmir Library. Return to the hotel for overnight at hotel Visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus (Acts in Athens. 18:19-24; 19:1-35; 20:16-17; 21:29, 1 Col. 15:32; 16:8, I Tim. 1:3 II Tim. 1:18; 4:12, Rev. 1:11, 2:1), the Ephesus Day 3: Athens- Meteora/Kalambaka Museum and the Basilica of St. John. The visit of the House of At 08:00 am we leave Athens and we drive through Boetia and Virgin Mary is optional. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. Thessaly. In the afternoon we enjoy a spectacular drive up to visit the Byzantine Monasteries of Meteora. Colossal symmetrical gray and reddish boulders, as though pushed upwards from the bowels of mother earth by an invisible hand, Day 10: Aphrodisias-Laodicea-Pamukkale Drive to Aphrodisias, the city of the Goddess of Love, see the well preserved sustain breathtaking beautiful monasteries perched precariously high above the ground. They were first built in the 14th century by monks seeking isolation and stadium, the Odeon, the theater and the agora. Then visit Laodicea (Col 2:1; 4:13- salvation, accessible only by ropes thrown from above. We will climb through steps 16, Rev. 1:11; 3:14) and Pamukkale, noted ancient spa, where pure white travertine's built since. They are veritable Byzantine museums exhibiting superb , old forms frozen waterfalls. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. manuscripts and unique mosaics and frescoes. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kalambaka. Day 11: Hierapolis-Philadelphia-Bursa Visit Hierapolis (Col 4:13) in the morning. Then drive to Alasehir to visit the 1st Day 4: Kalambaka-Vergina-Pella- century Philadelphia Church (Rev. 1:11; 3:7). Continue to Bursa, once the capital city We depart Kalambaka and we drive to Vergina (ancient ), the first capital of of the . Dinner and overnight in Bursa. Macedonia. We visit the most important tomb ever discovered that of Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. Here we see the fabulous findings Day 12: Nicaea - Istanbul from the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, made by the archaeologist Visit Nicaea, the city where the first took place in 325 AD. Manolis Andronikos. Then we continue on to ancient Pella, the capital of ancient Drive to Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, guarding the Macedonia State and birthplace of Alexander the Great. In the 4th century BC the precious relics of the three empires of which she has been the capital; a unique link city was laid out in the familiar "Hippodamean" pattern of regular rectangular building between East and West, between past and present. Istanbul is not only historic, it is blocks with impressive broad streets and a first class water supply network. The still a magnificent great city, fascinating and vividly alive, providing infinite variety: houses were of the typical Greek style dwelling with a central courtyard surrounded Visit the Topkapi Museum, the Imperial Residential Palace of the Ottoman sultans by a colonnade and open galleries. On the hill to the West stand the remains of the between the 16th and 19th centuries and the oldest and largest of the remaining citadel of the . We visit the excavation sites and especially the palaces in the world. Its displays include priceless world-class collections of jewelry, museum, which displays sculptures, and mosaics of Classical and Hellenistic porcelain and costumes of the sultans. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. times. Drive to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thessaloniki. Day 13: Istanbul Day 5 : Thessaloniki-Philippi-Kavala A full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. Visit the St. Chora Church (Kariye Museum) At 8:00 a.m. we drive on our way to Philippi by the Lion statue of (short famous for its beautiful mosaics, the Blue Mosque with its beautiful blue tiles, the stop for photos). Afterwards we continue to Philippi, the site where the apostle Paul Roman Hippodrome. In the afternoon, visit Museum, built by came and worked, establishing a strong church. To this congregation, later he sent his and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, one of the Philippian letter. Of all the churches Paul founded, probably none was so near and world's greatest architectural marvels and a designated World Heritage site. Then dear to him as the church at Philippi (Acts 16:9-33). We see the river where Lydia is visit the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul. End your day with a visit to the famous thought to have been baptized, the ruins of a Prison where Paul and Sylas had been Grand Bazaar. kept, the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and the Theater. Philippi was built by Philip II of Macedonia on the Via Egnatia, the Roman road which ran from Rome to Day 14: Istanbul - Departure . After the visit, we continue to Kavala, the ancient port of (Acts Transfer to the Istanbul Airport for departure. 16:11). Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kavala.

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Day 1: Istanbul Arrival sub-unit of the main Monastery. We will walk down the steps to visit the Grotto and see Arrive in Istanbul. Join the short orientation tour. Then transfer to the hotel for a the silver niches in the wall, which tradition states mark the pillow and ledge used as a welcome, dinner and overnight. desk by the author of the Book of Revelation. After the visit, drive back to the port of Scala and embark on the ship for an evening sailing to at 8:30 p.m. Day 2: Istanbul Discover the Byzantine and Ottoman treasures of Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque, Day 7: Rhodes, Greece unique with six minarets, the Roman Hippodrome Square, and the St. Sophia Church, At 7:00 a.m. we arrive at Rhodes. This stronghold was built by a Crusading Order, which is considered one of the world's greatest architectural marvels. In late afternoon which originated from Palestine, and in older days, it boasted of another achievement of we will have a night boat tour in Bosphorus waterway. Return to hotel. Dinner and the then known world - The Colossus of Rhodes! Our optional morning half-day overnight. excursion takes us to visit the Temple of Athena on the majestic rocky Acropolis of Lindos, with the blue Aegean Sea beneath it and the sophisticated, whitewashed artists' Day 3: Istanbul - - Canakkale colony at its foot.The New Testament mentions that on his way to Rome, Paul's vessel In the morning, visit to Istanbul Archaeological Museum with special emphasis on the spent some time here in the small harbour (Acts 21:1). We have the afternoon free in Siloam Inscription from Hezekiah's tunnel, the Thanatos inscription stone Rhodes for a most delightful experience. Stroll around the medieval walled from Herod's temple, the Gezer Calendar and the tile panels from city; enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere from one of the elegant the Ishtar Gates of Nebuchadnezzar in . Drive to cafes in the marina. Sail for Heraklion, Crete at 6:00 p.m. Gallipoli (Gelibolu), through the European lands of Turkey. Cross the Dardanelles Strait (Canakkale) by Day 8: Heraklion Crete, - Santorini, ferryboat. Visit the ancient Troy, actually Truva, The Greece immortal city of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey - of At 7:00 A.M. we arrive at Heraklion Crete, (Acts the legendary Helen of Troy - the Trojan horse. 27:7-13), one of the sites on the Apostle Paul's 3rd Dinner with HPU graduates who live in the area. missionary journey. An optional excursion takes us Check-in at hotel for dinner and overnight. from the lively bustling city to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, legendary home of the Minotaur Day 4: Troas - Pergamum - Izmir (half bull and half man). The Palace houses the Hall (Smyrna) of the Royal Guard. Decorated with frescoes and After breakfast, we drive to the archaeological site of shields, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King's Chamber Troas where the Apostle Paul received the "Macedonian housing the alabaster throne amidst paintings of griffins and Vision" (Acts 16:6-13) and then to Pergamum, actually called lilies and the Queen's Apartment, adorned with murals of dolphins , one of the (Rev. 1:11; 2:12). At and spirals reminding us of the legend of the Labyrinth. We return to our Pergamum we explore the impressive Acropolis, the steepest theatre in the world, the motor-coach and drive to the city of Heraklion where we will have free time for Asklepieion, famous medical centre of classical times, see the Alter of Zeus which is browsing at the shops. Return to the port for embarkation on the ship and sail for mentioned as the "Throne of Satan" in the book of Revelation, the marble columns of Santorini at 11:30 a.m. the Temple of Trajan and the Library which was foremost in the world and was long a rival of the equally famous Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Its wealth of volumes was We arrive in Santorini at 4:00 p.m. Disembarkation by tender-boats, weather estimated at over 200,000. It inspired the invention of parchment. We will also visit the permitting. For our optional excursion we take a mule or the cable car up to the Red Basilica. After the tour we continue on to Izmir for check-in at hotel, followed by whitewashed town of ; perched high on the rim of the ancient volcano, the dinner and overnight. eruption of which (1,600 BC) literally buried a flourishing town, which has now been excavated at Akrotiri. Sail for Piraeus at 9:00 p.m. Day 5: Ephesus - Izmir In the morning we drive to Ephesus, cradle of early Christianity (Rev. 2:1-7). The Day 9: Piraeus, Athens Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived and laboured here for three years, At 6:00 a.m. arrive at Piraeus. We disembark approximately 7:30 A.M. after breakfast. thereafter sending his Ephesian epistle. This city was also an important base for the We meet the local Greek guide and start our morning city tour. We climb up to the ministry of the Apostle John, and may have been the community of the beloved marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Our . We tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the Tomb of the great and important city, which was founded in the 10th century BC. Walk through Unknown Soldier, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Panathenian Stadium, Temple history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library. After the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theatre. tour we check in at hotel in Athens. Dinner and overnight. The Temple to the goddess Diana of the Ephesians was enormous in size and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After the tour return to Izmir for dinner and Day 10 : Athens - Delphi overnight at hotel. After breakfast at 8:00 a.m., we depart from Athens and drive to Delphi, on of the centers of Hellenic world. We visit the Theatre and the Sanctuary of Apollo [legendary Day 6: Izmir - Kusadasi (Embarkation on cruise ship)-Patmos center of the Oracle of Delphi], the Treasury of the Athenians and the Archaeological At 11:00 a.m. we embark on the cruise ship from Kusadasi and sail for Patmos, Greece. Museum, which contains some of the finest examples of Greek sculptures including the At 3:30 p.m. we arrive at this beautiful mysterious rocky island where the exiled highly regarded bronze "Charioteer". We will see the great ancient training center with Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation. We enjoy a short journey to the village of its Gymnasium where athletes trained for the Pythian Games. This visit to Delphi gives Chora where the Monastery of St. is built within the walls of a an excellent insight into Greek culture that impacted the early church. strong fortification. As we walk uphill towards the entrance of the Monastery we will Return to our hotel in Athens. In the evening we will have our optional farewell dinner admire the wonderful panoramic view of the island. We will see the courtyard, the in one of the Greek traditional restaurants in Plaka. Return to hotel with our bus before Monks' dining room and the old bakery before entering the main church. Then we will midnight. visit the small museum containing priceless ecclesiastical treasures. Then we will return to our motor-coach to continue on to the nearby Grotto of the Revelation, the Day 11: Athens Departure "traditional site" where the heavenly voice of God revealed to St. John the future of Check-out of the rooms and transfer with our representative to Athens International humanity (Rev. 1:12-21). Above the Grotto stands the church of the Apocalypse, a Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" for departure flight back home.

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Most scholars agree that the Virgin Mary lived for a time in Ephesus Discovery of The Home (Anna Catharina Emmerick) although some dispute that she died there. The evidence in favor of While the Virgin Mary having resided in Ephesus was well known, the Mary having spent her last years in Ephesus is both factual and logical. remarkable discovery of her home did not take place until 1891, The first factual evidence is the biblical historical documentation of through the study of the revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerick Mary's relationship to St. . The Beloved John, brother (1774-1824) who was born in Westphalia, Germany. This uneducated of St. James, was the youngest of the twelve Apostles and, from John's peasant girl was privileged to experience visions from the time of her own m o d e s t testimony, "the one He loved the most." The fact that youth. At age 24, she began to physically experience the sufferings of he was favored is evident from his place next to Jesus at the Last Christ's persecution. A few years later, she entered a convent. Never in Supper, and his being asked by the other Apostles to inquire of Jesus as good health, her stigmata were proclaimed to be genuine by an to which of them would betray Him. He was the first to identify Jesus ecclesiastical commission in 1814. In her later years, her visions became after His Resurrection on the shore of Lake Tiberias. He is the only increasingly vivid concentrating on the life of Christ and the Virgin Apostle known to have been present at the Crucifixion. Mary.

There is no dispute among historians that John, The house of the Virgin was first discovered in 1881 after the death of Jesus, went to Ephesus. by Abbe' Gouyet, of Paris, through the diligent While one might argue that Mary would not use of Anne-Catherine Emmerick's leave her homeland, with all its memories descriptions. His discovery went of the Apostolic life of her Son, it is unpublished and was generally discounted. much more plausible to believe that Ten years later, in 1891, inspired by the when the persecutions broke out against detail of Emmerick's accounts, a group of the Christians in Jerusalem her safety explorers under the leadership of the would be paramount and that she would learned Father Jung of the Order of obey the command of her Son and follow Lazarists, again followed her descriptions to John to Ephesus. Further evidence that Mary relocate the Virgin Mary's home. Catherine lived in or near Ephesus is the fact that the third Emmerick had revealed that Mother Mary Ecumenical Council of the was held prepared her meals at a fireplace located in Ephesus. This council, which met in a large cathedral known in the centre of the room and that spring water was present. as the Double Church of St. Mary, was primarily called to formalize the Excavations by the explorers revealed the presence of the ashes and the doctrine known as "", Greek for "Mary, Mother of God." In a spring water continues to flow to his day. Flowing water on a letter from the Council Fathers, addressed to all the clergy announcing mountaintop in an otherwise arid countryside is itself a wonder. The this doctrine, it added that the Council was conducted in Ephesus "in explorers were amazed how closely their discoveries conformed to the which place John the Theologian and the Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of description of Emmerick. God were." The word "were" is interpreted as meaning "until death". Pilgrimages The first Pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary's house took place in 1896, five years after the discovery of "The House of the Virgin". Two trains brought pilgrims from Izmir to Ephesus. Most of them made the ascent on foot or on horseback or by donkey. The first pilgrims from abroad came in 1906 led by Prof. Miner and Fr. Kayser. There were 47 people of whom 10 were Protestants. Between 1914 and 1927 a mass was celebrated at the shrine. In 1 9 4 9, Archbishop Descuffi and a group of Children of Mary celebrated mass in the roofless chapel. A new period in the history of the House of the Virgin Mary began in 1950. The dogma of the was defined in Rome. Dr. Karl Gshwind of Basle, who had been trapped in Istanbul by the war and who had used the time to make a study of the antiquities of Asia Minor, planned to lead a pilgrimage to the shrine on 1st November 1950, the day of the definition of the dogma.

Two visited Mary's House. Paul VI kept his word and after a triumphial entry to Istanbul he came to pay his respects to the Virgin Mary at Ephesus on 26th July 1967. He entered the shrine escorted by the crowd. He prayed for a long time in front of the altar and he himself lit the sculpted lamp he had brought. In memory of Sister Marie de Mandat-Grancey, he gave the superior of the sisters of Charity who live there a gold chalice for their oratory. John Paul II also came to the House of the Virgin Mary on 30 November 1979, after an official visit to Ankara.

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"FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY" Mass August 15th The House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus

"A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head." (Rev. 12,1) 9:00 Holy Mass 10:30 Prayer Service-praying for the sick and blessing of bread and fruit 12:00 Solemn Mass of the Assumption 15:30 Rosary "Lord, you who raised Mother Mary body and soul into Heaven help us, by her prayer to live in your love as brothers and sisters"

"THEOTOKOS" Mass 2nd Sunday of October Double Church of Mary, Ephesus

TOUR ITINERARY: 1:12, 2:1-7, Acts 18:19-28, 19:1-4) which was home Friday-Arrive Izmir (Smyrna). to St. Paul between 54-57 and sit in the very You are met at the airport and transferred to theatre where St. Paul preached 2,000 years your hotel. In the evening a short briefing ago. Visit the Basilica of St. John, where on your tour program will be given by your according to the legend he was buried. tour guide. Dinner and overnight. Monday-Izmir - Istanbul -Pergamum - Thyatira - Izmir Morning flight to Istanbul. Visit the two Visit two of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Drive masterpieces of Byzantine era, Chora and St. Sophia. to Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17, Acts 16:14). Visit the Acropolis, the Then visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Asclepion, the Red Basilica and the Museum. Continue to the amazing underground cistern. Thytaira (Rev 2:18-29, Acts 16:14) to visit the Church of Ancient Thyatira. Return to Izmir for dinner and Tuesday-Istanbul overnight. Relax with a cruise on the Bosphorus on your last day in Turkey. Visit the Spice Sunday-Ephesus - Mary's House Bazaar and the Beylerbeyi Palace. In - Izmir the afternoon explore the famous Drive to Ephesus. Morning Mass at Grand Bazaar. the Double Church of St. Mary (For August 15th, at the House of Virgin Wednesday-Departure Mary) at Ephesus. Then visit Ephesus (Rev. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for departure.

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Adramyttium Acts 27:2 Antioch Acts 11:19-27; 13:1; 14:26, 15:22-35, Gal. 2:11, II Tim. 3:11 Assos Acts 20:13,14 Journeys Attalia Acts 14:25 Bithniya Province (Nicaea) Acts 16:7, I Pet 1:1 Cappadocia Province Acts 2:9, I Pet 1:1 Carchemish II Chro. 35:20, Isa 10:9, Jer 46:2 Cnidus Acts 27:7 Colossae Col. 1:2 Derbe Acts 14:6 - 20;4 Ephesus Acts 18:19-24; 19:1-35; 20:16-17; 21:29, 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8, I Tim. 1:3 II Tim. 1:18; 4:12, Rev. 1:11, 2:1 Euphrates River Gen. 2:14; Jer. 13:4, 6, Rev. 9:4; 16:2 Galatia Province Acts 16:6; 18:23, I Cor. 16:1, Gal 1:2; 3:1, II Tim 4:10, I Pet 1:1 Haran II Kings 19:12, Isa. 37:12, Ezek. 27:23, Acts 7:2-4 Hierapolis Col 4:13 Iconium Acts 13:51; 14:1-21; 16:2, II Tim. 3:11 Laodecia Col 2:1; 4:13-16, Rev. 1:11; 3:14 Lystra Acts 14:6-21; 16:1-2, II Tim. 3:11 Miletus Acts 20:15-17, II Tim. 4:20 Mt. Ararat Gen 8:4, II Kings 19:37, Isa 37:38 Myra Acts 27:5-6 Patara Acts 21:1-2 Perga Acts 13:13-14; 14:25 Pergamum Rev. 1:11; 2:12 Philadelphia Rev. 1:11; 3:7 Pisidian Antioch Acts 13:14; 14:19-21, I Tim. 3:11 Sardis Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4 Seleucia Acts 13:4 Smyrna Rev. 1:11; 2:8 Tarsus Acts 9:11; 9:30; 11:25; 21:39; 22:3 Thyatira Acts 16:14, Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24 Tigris River Gen. 2:14, Daniel 10:4 Troas Acts 16:8-11; 20:5, 6, II Tim. 4:13 II Cor. 2:12

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