Ephesus

One of the Seven Churches

The once biblical town with its often mentioned status in the Bible evoked a nostalgic feeling within me. It makes me grateful to a God who has given me an opportunity to visit one of Saint Paul's missionary site.

Nur was very informative about this city and was without prejudice. She often cited that John, the Apostle took care of Jesus' mother till the end of her days near Ephesus.

So, with much excitement and anticipation, we left for the place after breakfast.

Nur related that Mary was believed to have be under the care of John under the instruction of Jesus ans so the locals respected the house of Mary.

It is a typical stone house with simple, practical living quarters but we were not allowed photography inside the building. It was a humble abode with much history and past records.

 Surely it was a chance of a lifetime to be here to see history and to be connected to the relics of churches. We surely thank God for this entitlement. 

Leaving the house of Mary and scouting around the perimeter, we came to the taps of 'holy water'. Like any tourist attraction , a tale was created behind it. If you wash yourself with it and wish for a dream, you may just get it !

Not that I believe in anything of that sort, but Esther was trying it out.

So, she rubbed both her hands under the icy water and must have wished her heart out ! Later, she confessed that the icy water caused her 'frostbites' . Oh it's alright. She is always into ventures that one does not normally attempt. 

Next to it was awall of wishes too. Throw a piece of cloth or was it paper; hang it to the wall and all wishes come true.

The many layers we put on did not keep the cold away.

It was chilly indeed.

Yes, we reached the ruins of Ephesus.

The Greek and Roman architecture was evident and it was a record of which civilization was the reigning one. There was an assortment of pillars and physical structures that was quite confusing but nevertheless majestic.

Squares and quadrangles again depicted the congregational meetings that were once held there. People must have argued about everything...from God to best practices.

 Yes, the girls as well as their parents could not resist being photographed.

These are shots that will be permanently etched in our memories.

 We were informed that these are the ruins of the then library.
The girls and dad made their way into the internal parts while I stayed at a spot waiting for them.

Nur laughingly reiterated that those days were pervasive and adultery was rampant proven by the hidden caverns opposite the library where brothels existed! Hahahaha.

The ruins above are actual sites of homes along the main pathway.

Notice the intricate designs of the tiles . Art was almost at its epitome. Craftsmanship was part of living.

There was Greek mythology evidence and Roman ones too. Tourists of all nationalities came in throngs to examine and witness the past. What do we learn? Do we repeat the same mistakes?

Do you see what I see?

Can you name this Greek Goddess?

Yes, it's Goddess of Nike.

Spoke the Nike trademark. Now you know where Nike originate from.

Dad sighed and said Paul really must have a hard time convincing the locals of the new faith and one can understand why under such mythological bondages, it was almost impossible to spread the gospel and the truth of Jesus.

But who can thwart the plans of God?

The walk around the grounds of Ephesus took a toll on dad's knees. 

The Ephesus walk brought scenes of the Bible to our eyes but the ruins was again a reminder of the past and may we learn from it with a refreshed spirit.

The Cotton Castle was our next stop.