The House of Virgin Mary

This modest church on Bulbuldagi is considered as last dwelling place for Virgin Mary. Whole story about discovery of Mary's house started with the visions of a German nun, Catherine Emmerich who had sufferings of Christ and stigmata. Although she had never visited the site, she well described the area after her visions. After her dreams, a book was published about her visions and experiences. In this book which is based on her visions, Catherine Emmerich mentions that Mary and John come to Ephesus and lived in a small Roman Village, located on the mountain. She even adds that upon her death, she was buried by John and his close friends. Nearly 20 years after her death, a group of Lazarist priest from Izmir came to Ephesus and visited the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Having a copy of Emmerch's book in their hands, they climbed to Bulbuldagi which had been described by the German nun. When they got thirsty, they were guided to a fountain by a local shepherd. And near the fountain, they discovered the remains of a small cross shaped church and the fountain with the sacred water having healing powers. After the great excitement, the archaeologist carried out excavations and discovered the remains of a Roman house going back o the time of Christ and Mary underneath the remains of the Byzantine church. Here are the main points making us believe Mary was in Ephesus When Christ was on the cross there were Mary and John by the Holly Cross. Christ speaks to them and entrust them to each other. "Here is your mother and here is your son" We do believe, John took care of Mary after the crucifixion of Christ. When Saint John came to Ephesus, he brought also Mary with him. 1. One of the oldest churches dedicated Virgin Mary is located in Ephesus. Since the churches dedicated to the saints only when the saints were born or died there. we do believe that the death of Virgin Mary took place in Ephesus. 2. The great Eucunenical Council of 431 took place in Ephesus and the subject of the meeting was the title of Virgin Mary. The church bitterly argued whether she was the mother of God or Mother of Christ. It was decided in Ephesus that Mary was mother of God or Teotokos. 3. Although everyone was very quite abut Mary, the mother of Christ especially after the crucifixion of Christ, Syrian church mentions that Mary and John came to Ephesus. Another interesting detail which indicates the importance of the place for the Virgin Mary is the great tradition which lasted all these centuries. People of area climbed to this hill 15th of August for the Assumption of Mary.

BASILICA OF SAINT JOHN

it is accepted that Saint John came to Ephesus in the first century and he became the head of the church there till his exile to Patmos. He was exiled to this rocky and isolated island by Roman Empeor Domitian who was quite hostile to Christians. during his time systematic persecutions of the Christina took place. It is not known how long John stayed in Patmos or when he returned to Ephesus. It is known that he died at late age. After his death a memorial was built over his tomb. Emperor Constantine had a great basilica church on the site in the 4th century. Two centuries later, Emperor Justinian had a new cross formed church built overt the site. This cross shaped church has the tomb of Saint John located underneath the central dome of the building. The church complex is entered through a monumental gate which is called the Persecution Gate due to a frieses depicting the Hector being chased by Achilleus during the Trojan War. Visitors enjoy ths amazing church built by Justinian the Great, the burial area of John the Divine, the chapel had treasury of the church. One of the most intresting features of the church is the baptistery of the church with cross shaped form. The church has also great atrium surrounded by the coloums.

Seven Sleepers of Ephesus

According to a tradition, six young Christians were trying to escape from the persecution of Roman Sodiers. They met a shepherd who also joined to them. These seven young men accompanied by a dog took shelter in a cave near Ephesus. Hovewer Roman soldiers built a wall blocking the entry of the cave. They slept 300 years. When they woke up, the Christian faith had been accepted as a official religion and Seven Sleepers were welcomed like saints. When they died, they were buried in the same cave. Since many people wanted to be buried next to these saints, the grotto of Seven Sleepers became burial grounds and in a short ti.e it became oneof the vast cemeteries of ancient times.