As we traveled to the ancient city of Ephesus, our guide
pointed out that it was a large port city on the Aegean Sea during the time of
Christ. There is a famous river nearby called the River Meander. It slowly
filled in and gradually took over the port area. The English word, “meander”,
comes from this river which still winds and wanders slowly through the area.
Over the course of centuries, the old city of Ephesus was
abandoned and the newer port city of Kusadasi took its place. Looking out over
the valley from the heights of the pine forested hills it is easy to see the
outline of the old sea shore.
Our destination was the purported home of the Mother Mary
after the death of Christ. The story starts when the apostles scattered after
the crucifixion of Christ. He assigned the Apostle John to take care of his
mother and she is heard from no more in the Bible. See the posted explanation
as to why this is believed to be her last home. No photos are allowed inside
the shrine.
There is virtually no evidence for this claim. After we got back, I researched it. It is based
on a nun’s vision of Mary’s life and death. After the nun described what she
saw, the area of Ephesus was searched for Mary’s probable home. This building
was reconstructed on a first century foundation. The building first became a
church and then a shrine.
Bus after bus pulled into the shrine area while we there and
tourists flowed through the shrine area. The tour guide said there are four
times that many buses in August. We beat the rush and the heat.
I thought it was
lovely and well done. From the descriptions on the internet, I thought it would
be really cheesy. But I loved it. Best of all, it is set in a beautiful, cool
pine forest.
