Turkey

Visit Istanbul and beyond including Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, and the Topkapi Palace. Hagia Irene is the biggest temple from the Roman period after Hagia Sophia.

Travel to Nicaea and visit Hagia Sophia Nicea, the Iznik Tile Kilns, the amphitheatre of Nicea and the ruins of the church of Koimesis. Nicaea was where the first ecumenical council of the Christian church was held. In 2025 will be the 1700^th anniversary of the worlds first ecumenical council.

Go to Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the steepest sloped theatre of the ancient world, the temple of Athena and Altar of Zeus, which St John denounces as a Throne of Satan in his letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation. Visit Alexandria Troas. Because Alexandria Troas was an important port, it was the starting point for St. Paul when he set sail to Europe during his second missionary journey (50 – 52 AD). The Apostle visited the city again, during his third missionary journey (53 – 58 AD).

Ephesus is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman city where the Theatre and the Church of the Council are. This is where our lady was hailed as Theotokos. It was a very important city during early Christian times, as evidenced by St Paul’s visit and St John being buried nearby.  In the hills behind Ephesus, you will see where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent to last days of her life.  There is a charming chapel, consecrated by the Pope, at the very spot where the House of the Virgin Mary stood. You can also visit the Basilica of St John where he is buried and where he wrote his gospel.