Cities of John and Paul: A Journey to Turkey and Greece May 8 18, 2011

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1 Cities of John and Paul: A Journey to Turkey and Greece May 8 18, 2011 Join Dr. Kenneth Kovacs for an educational pilgrimage in the footsteps of Paul and John. Gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural context of the cities addressed by John in the Book of Revelation such as Pergamon and Sardis. Explore the ministry and world of Paul who, having left Jewish Palestine, discovers a receptive world in cosmopolitan Greek cities such as Ephesus and Corinth. Our program provides an opportunity to explore great archaeological parks in Turkey and Greece where the people, places and events of the 1 st century come to life. Some highlights of our visit include the great 6 th century basilica Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the healing center of Pergamon where ancient physicians developed unique healing techniques, the ancient synagogue of Sardis, the magnificent archaeological parks of Aphrodisias and Ephesus, a cruise through the Aegean Sea, and a chance to see the new Acropolis Museum in Athens. We are all members of a global community that is increasingly interdependent. The future of our world depends on our cultivating a spirit of hospitality, respect, understanding and compassion for one another. Enlightenment comes in many forms, but we believe that there are few life experiences more moving than exploring other cultures, meeting people of diverse backgrounds, and becoming a citizen of the world leading and inspiring respectful and compassionate ways of life.

2 Our Program Sunday, May 8 We depart Washington D.C. Dulles International on an overnight flight to Istanbul. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flights. Monday, May 9 We arrive in Istanbul and meet our tour manager at the airport. Then we will transfer by private deluxe motorcoach to our centrally located hotel. If time permits, we may visit the Topkapi Palace this afternoon (which is closed on Tuesdays). This evening a welcome dinner is scheduled. Overnight in Istanbul. Tuesday, May 10 Breakfast. This morning we have a guided visit to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Include some free time in the afternoon to relax, shop at the Bazaar, or go to the Turkish Baths. In the evening, we will go to a Sufi Tekke to see witness their worship. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia is one of the most impressive and important monuments from early Christianity. Built on the site of an earlier 4th century basilica, this 6th century building (still intact) was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The size of the interior is staggering and creates a sensational spiritual experience for those who visit. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Turks converted it into a mosque. In recent years, it has been converted into a museum with both Muslim and Christians artifacts adorning its walls. The upper galleries include magnificent Byzantine mosaics. The site makes a great place to study the development of religious architecture and how such a space is used by different religious traditions. The Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, derives its name from the beautifully decorated interior, covered in blue Iznik tile. The technique of decoration and vibrant blue colors has made the tile from this ancient city of Nicea famous the world over. When the mosque was built, there was considerable reaction as the incorporation of six minarets in the design was interpreted as an attempt to rival the principal mosque in Mecca. The Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar are grand markets that dazzle modern visitors not only with produce and merchandise from around Turkey but with the seemingly unending maze of arcades where countless merchants set up shop. Wednesday, May 11 After breakfast this morning we will fly to Izmir. Upon arrival we transfer to Pergamon to visit the Asklepion and the Acropolis. Dinner and overnight in Dikili. Pergamon is a hauntingly beautiful site and one of the most extensive archaeological parks in Turkey. During the 2nd century BCE, it was one of the leading cultural centers of the Mediterranean, boasting a spectactular theatre built into the mountainside, the second largest library in the world, and great public buildings majestically overlooking the valley below. After a brief period of decline, the city gained new status during the time of Imperial Rome. The Asclepion - a healing center dedicated to the god Asclepius - rose in prominence during the 2nd century CE. This is where Galen was born and studied medicine. The Asclepion is a wonderful place to explore ancient approaches to healing - particularly the therapeutic role of religion, art, theatre and mind-body techniques of healing. Pergamon is one of the seven cities addressed by John in the book of Revelation. It is a great site to consider the heritage of Greek civilization and to reflect on the sociological context of early Christianity. Thursday, May 12 Breakfast. Today we travel to and visit Sardis and Aphrodisias with dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. Sardis is a particularly beautiful archaeological site. It boasts a breathtakingly handsome Roman bath-gymnasium complex that has been partially restored. It is easy to imagine the elegance of the town center where shops and other buildings lined a main road adjacent to the complex. A large basilica-style building was given to the Jewish community in Sardis to be used as a synagogue. The location, size and decoration of the synagogue underscores the prominence of the Jewish community in this Roman town. It is the largest ancient synagogue outside of Palestine. Nearby, in a verdant grove under a mountain, lies one of the largest Greek temples in the world - the Temple of Artemis.

3 A small Christian chapel was built into its back wall after the 4th century when the temple was abandoned. Sardis is one of the seven cities of the book of Revelation and makes an excellent venue for groups exploring the history of various religious traditions - including ancient Greek and Roman, early Christian, and Jewish. The vast archeological site of Aphrodisias includes impressive ruins (such as the stadium, theatre, odeon) evoking the grandeur of this ancient city. Interesting early Christian ruins include an episcopal palace and a Christian basilica constructed in the temple of Aphrodite. Friday, May 13 After breakfast we travel to and visit Ephesus (perhaps focusing on the main archaeological site this afternoon as well as the terraced Roman villas). We will also see the site associated with the Basilica of St. John either today or early on Saturday. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. Ephesus was an important port along the Aegean coast of Asia Minor and was the terminus for a major highway that led East toward Anatolia. In the 2nd century it was probably the third or fourth largest Roman city, boasting a population of nearly a quarter of a million people. In addition to the port, it was the site of the Artemisia, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The temple was a popular cultic center for fertility and attracted visitors from around the world. After the attack on Ephesus by the Goths in the 3rd century, an attempt to revive the cult had limited success as Christianity gained influence in the region. Ephesus was a major focus of Paul's missionary work and his companions Priscilla and Aquila (of Rome) remained there nurturing the young church. The silversmiths of Ephesus broke out in a riot as Paul's influence threatened their business of selling souvenirs of Artemis (Acts 19). Ephesus is one of the seven cities in John's book of Revelation, and it was the site of an ecumenical council in 431. There are several major areas of interest for modern visitors. The main archaeological site boasts extensive excavations of Roman temples, baths, theatres, government buildings, the impressive library of Celsus, and newly excavated Roman villas. It is very easy to imagine daily life in this ancient city and to consider the cultural context within which early Christians lived and forged a new faith. After the harbor silted up, the city moved to a hilltop in the 6th century. The Emperor Justinian built a basilica here over the tomb of John the Evangelist and the site was later fortified in the 7th and 8th centuries. This is a particularly beautiful site and makes it possible to trace some of the development of Christian architecture - including an octagonal baptistry. In the mountains nearby, a site was discovered after a German nun had a vision as to the location of the house of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The current 13th century house was built on 1st century foundations. The site is a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims (who honor Mary as the mother of Jesus). The Ephesus Museum includes several artifacts of interest including statues of Artemis and important historical inscriptions. The site surrounding the basilica of St. John is impressive and it provides a tangible way to discuss the ministry of John and the theology in the texts attributed to him. For those interested in the development of Christian art and architecture, this is an evocative example of a substantial basilica-style church including an octagonal baptistry. There are several major areas of interest for modern visitors. The main archaeological site boasts extensive excavations of Roman temples, baths, theatres, government buildings, the impressive library of Celsus, and newly excavated Roman villas. It is very easy to imagine daily life in this ancient city and to consider the cultural context within which early Christians lived and forged a new faith. We will visit the main complex including the newly excavated Roman villas. We will visit the Church of Mary or the so-called Church of the Council presumably the place where the Council of Ephesus took place. Saturday, May 14 Breakfast. This morning we embark on our cruise for Greece. The first port -of-call is Patmos. A shore excursion to the Monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse is included. All meals are served on the cruise ship. The Jerusalem of the Aegean is one way of describing Patmos, as it was referred to in one 5th century inscription. This serene island is known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John that were written during his exile. The cave where he is said to have lived is now the site of the Monastery of the Apocalypse. In the 11th century, Abbot Christodoulos founded the Monastery of St. John on one of the island s highest points. It houses priceless icons and manuscripts.

4 Sunday, May 15 We continue cruising along the Aegean. Today s ports- of- call include Crete and Santorini. Any shore excursions are optional and can be paid for on the cruise ship. Santorini is perhaps the most breathtaking of all Greek islands. A volcanic eruption in 1500 BCE destroyed the center of the island leaving a crescent shaped rim of cliffs. The town of Fira s whitewashed houses, narrow strees, open-air cafés and glittering boutiques cling to these cliffs. To the south is Akrotiri where recent Minoan excavations may support theories that this is where the fabled continent of Atlantis once stood. Monday, May 16 This morning we arrive in Greece at the port of Pireaus. We will transfer via private motorcoach to visit Corinth (focusing on Paul's mission and stay there) and Cenchrae. Continue then to Athens for dinner and overnight. The historical importance of Corinth is due in great part to its location between Attica and the Peloponnese and between the Ionian and Aegean Seas and the commanding height of its fortress, Acrocorinth. With ports at Lechaion and Kenchreai boats where hauled over the Diolkos to avoid longer passages around the Peloponnese. Thus, Corinth became a luxurious trading center and a richly adorned Greek and Roman urban center. Its importance as a place where Paul and other early Christian leaders spent considerable time establishing a Christian center makes it great site to consider the historical and cultural context of both New Testament writings and early Christian beliefs and practices. Athens is one of the great cities of the world, often called the cradle of western civilization. The Acropolis provides natural defenses and was part of an original settlement as early as the 11th or 12th century BCE. The golden age of Athenian life was the 6th through 4th century BCE when great philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates were examples of an educated and cultured society. Athens fell under the influence of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE and then was conquered by Rome in the 1st century BCE. Romans were enamored by Greek culture. Athens remained a symbol of western civilization with Romans bringing back to the capital great works of Greek art, sending their sons to Athens for education, and imitating Greek style in dress, language and religion. Tuesday, May 17 Breakfast. Today we will visit the Acropolis, Agora and Areopagus in the morning followedy by the new Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. A Farewell dinner is scheduled this evening. Overnight in Athens. The spectacular achievement of Greek architecture includes structures from as early as 2000 BCE with the most recognizable structures the Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and Parthenon dating from the 5th century BCE. The vast archeological park on the acropolis and its surrounding area allows visitors to imagine the cultural apex of Greek life with temples, theatres and public areas where Athenians gathered. The Areopagos hill is a favorite destination of Christians commemorating St. Paul s visit and sermon to the Athenian senators. One of them, Dionysius, converted and became the first bishop of Athens. Wednesday, May 18 After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our return flight to Washington D.C.. Inclusive Features Roundtrip air transportation via regularly scheduled flights between the following cities: o Washington D.C. ~ Istanbul o Istanbul ~ Izmir o Athens ~ Washington D.C. First class hotel accommodations in twin bedded rooms with private bathrooms as follows: o Istanbul ~ 2 nights o Dikili ~ 1 night o Pamukkale ~ 1 night o Kusadasi ~ 1 night o Cruise ~ 2 nights o Athens ~ 2 nights Continenal buffet breakfast served daily in the hotels. Dinner served daily in the hotels. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the cruise ship. Services of a professional tour manager in both Greece and Turkey. Transportation via private deluxe motorcoach with English-speaking assistance.

5 Privately guided sightseeing with local, governmentlicensed expert guides as per the itinerary. Entrance fees and reservation fees for all site visits included in the itinerary. Luggage, porterage, road and local taxes.. Program Prices $ per person based on double occupancy $ additional estimate- airline taxes, airport fees, security fees, fuel surcharges (estimate as of October 25, 2010) $ supplement for single room occupancy Please note: Single rooms for single use are limited to 10% of the total number of rooms reserved. Thereafter, double rooms for single use will be secured at a supplemental cost of approximately 150%. Alternatively, if you have selected double occupancy but no roommate is available due to uneven numbers or if your roommate should cancel you will be in a single room and responsible for the single room supplement. Land Only Program Prices: (excludes all air transportation and airport transfers) $ per person based on double occupancy $ supplement for single room occupancy All prices listed are discounted for payment by check. When paying with a credit card you will be charged the standard base price which is 5% higher. Travel Insurance Premiums: $ Deluxe Group Travel Insurance Plan $ Deluxe Plan with Cancel for Any Reason The Group Deluxe Insurance plan is optional. If you wish to purchase the plan, the premium must be paid with your initial deposit. The policy can be found on the Travel Resource Center for your program under the Group Deluxe Insurance Plan link. Your cancelled check is your proof of payment of the premium. Please retain for your records as a copy of it will be required in the event you file a claim. Illume recommends that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of the investment you will make. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and protection against the unexpected. Please read the illume Conditions and Clauses attached to the Program Registration Application to review the charges that will apply in the event that you cancel your program participation. Illume offers several options to travel insurance. To learn more click on the Travel Insurance link provided on the Travel Resource Center for your program: The prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received; currency exchange rates in effect October 25, 2010 and on 2010 land and air tariffs and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume s Conditions and Clauses. Program Registration: Complete the Registration Application. Forward with your $ deposit (or $700 to add to $100 placeholder you already sent to Dr. Kovacs) per person (and insurance premium if applicable) no later than December 1, 2010 to: Kenneth Kovacs, Ph.D. Catonsville Presbyterian 1400 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD (410) KKovacs@catonsvillepresb.org Checks can be made payable to illume. Balance of payment due not later than: February 8, 2011 Note: Any changes to the program will be outlined in the final documents which you will receive one month prior to departure. If changes are made that effect the program price, you will receive an invoice or a credit accordingly. Please contact Fr. Kovacs with any questions. Program No