Today is Easter Sunday and how appropriate the first thing this morning to go to the last house of the Virgin Mary. Scholars have pretty much concluded that after the crucifiction of Jesus, that John brought Mary to Ephesus where she lived out her remaining years. The house has been restored from the original foundation and today there were wreaths hanging over the front door to commemerate Mary.
- Mary's House in Ephesus
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We then went to Meli's farm to have a special lunch prepared by her daughter, Asli. I can't say it enough, but the food in Turkey is absolutely fabulous! We started out with a rose water drink with roasted almonds. I can't describe it, but it must be the ambrosia of the gods! Absolutely delicious.
- Meli and Asli
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Afterwards, we went to Ephesus to catch the afternoon light. We first went to the amphitheater where St. Paul was to address the Epheseans. However, a riot broke out since the business people did not want to lose the sales of artifacts and religious items of Artemis, who was worshipped in the town. It is something to imagine 24,000 people is this magnificent theater shouting and screaming "Great is Artemis" and Paul waiting on the sidelines to speak. Instead, he was taken to a building near the theater and was imprisoned. Much later he wrote his speech as a letter, which is the biblical text Paul's Letter to the Epheseans.
- Amphitheater in Ephesus
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This theater was originally commissioned by Alexander the Great and is a real wonder. There is a marble highway leading to the theater that once streached 24 miles through the countryside. Part of the road still exists through Ephesus. We waited to catch the theater in the best light along with the magnificent library at Ephesus. I can't even begin to describe how it feels to be alone in that incredible theater with the sun setting and nothing around but the sounds of birds. I believe we were the last to leave the ruins.
- Library at Ephesus
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