Iznik, Turkey From the time of the Pentecost until the time of Constantine, Christianity existed primarily as a vast collection of largely independent communities loosely organized into bishoprics with no central authority or governing guidelines other than five arguing Patriarchs and the not-yet canonized New Testament. Organization, beliefs and practices were informal and … [Read more...]
CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS OF MYRA
Demre, Turkey Nicholas of Myra is quite possibly the most beloved post 1st century Christian figure. For the last seventeen centuries there have been dual traditions concerning the enormously popular Nicholas. The first is that of the great Christian theologian whose presence dominated the First Council of Nicaea and whose influence laid much of the groundwork for the … [Read more...]
CHURCH OF ST. PETER
Antakya, Turkey The Church of St. Peter in Antioch, or Antakya, may very well be the world’s oldest place of Christian worship still in active use. Built into the side of a slope on Mount Starius, it was the seat of the first patriarchate established outside of the Holy Land. According to tradition, it stands on the spot where Peter the Apostle delivered the first sermon … [Read more...]
HOUSE OF THE VIRGIN MARY
Ephesus, Turkey The city of Ephesus in western Asia Minor, one of the great metropolises of the Roman Empire, witnessed the final events of the lives of not one but two of the New Testament’s most pivotal figures: Mary, the Mother of Jesus; and John the Evangelist. Little is known about the last days of these two most prominent Biblical personages, but their presence in … [Read more...]
CHURCH OF AGIOS LAZAROS
Larnaka, Cyprus As Christianity began to spread across the Mediterranean world in the 1st century, the island of Cyprus became a natural stepping stone for early Christian missionary efforts. It was the first place Paul visited outside of the Levant, and one of the first places outside of Judea or Syria to receive the Gospel. Its reputation as an important Christian … [Read more...]
