Embedded Files
Patmos
Patmos
In 2010 we travelled directly, by non-stop ferry, from Kuşadası to Patmos.
We arrived late in the afternoon, and Romeos Hotel was a welcome sight after a day at sea. After a quick visit to town for something to eat, most of us got a good night's rest in preparation for visiting the Cave of Revelation and then the Monastery of John the next day.
Below: Romeos Hotel: a very welcoming place. Photo: 25 May 2010
Above: Mosaic over the entrance to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Photo: 25 May 2010
Here, John is depicted holding the first three verses of the Gospel that bears his name. The script is medieval Greek but the Nestle GNT 1904, provided by Bible Hub reads as follows. Follow the links for the Bible Hub text analysis. The English text is from the NIV.
Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ Λόγος, καὶ ὁ Λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν.
He was with God in the beginning.
πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν ὃ γέγονεν.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
I couldn't resist this little study in contrast. Not far from the serenity and dignity of the bells, steps, and arches of the monastery, a local resident had erected a colourful protest to being denied planning permission for some plumbing work!
Photos: 25 May 2010
This time, the tour concluded with an overnight ferry back to Piraeus, departing directly from Patmos. In Athens, the tour group separated, some to return to New Zealand while others proceeded to holidays.
It had been a real privilege to undertake this pilgrimage a second time. From a personal point of view, it was great to experience the sights all over again. It was also extremely rewarding to help facilitate the journey for others and to share in their delight as they experienced walking in the footsteps of Paul and John. I was very pleased that we had been able to visit Alexandria Troas, but Smyrna felt like unfinished business. Maybe next time...
But this journey was not yet over... The Australia Eastern Territory had asked Wilfred to help them set up tours for their own territory, based on the itinerary he had devised. He was to return to Athens a week later to lead their first tour, and to help prepare their designated leader for future tours.
That meant Wilfred had seven days to fill and when he asked me if I was interested in a post-tour 'holiday' covering the last part of Paul's journey to Rome, I didn't have to think about it for long. The story of that adventure is told here, beginning with a delightful discovery in Athens' airport...
Brief accounts of subsequent official tours are located here.
Google Sites
Report abuse