The Footsteps of Paul in Turkey and Greece October 9-19, 2011 Professor Anthony Kissel of St. Leo s University invites you to join him for an illuminating journey into the life, times and world of St. Paul in Asia Minor (Turkey) and Greece. Just as Paul s perspectives changed as he left the familiar world of Palestine and journeyed to the great cosmopolitan cities of the Roman Empire, yours will change as you walk in the footsteps of visionary men and women of faith who, during the 1 st century, began to embrace a new vision of peace, built not on Roman imperial military power but on justice and charity. During his travels, Paul encountered people ready to embrace monotheism without having to adopt the sectarian dietary and purity codes of Judaism. Paul s mission was extraordinarily successful and forever shaped the beliefs, practices and institutions of Christianity. We will travel to the centers where Paul s mission was most successful particularly Ephesus and Corinth. We will have a chance to explore the socio-historical context of the rise of Christianity and gain an appreciation for the points of contact and intersection between Greco-Roman culture and the new faith of early Christians. We will visit archaeological sites such as Sardis with its magnificent synagogue, underscoring the prominence of the Jewish population throughout the Greco-Roman world. A visit to the great city of Istanbul is planned for the beginning of the program, exploring its ancient Roman, early Christian and Muslim monuments. An evocative cruise through the Aegean Sea allows participants to gain an appreciation for Paul s journeys by ship with stops at Patmos (John s island), Crete and Santorini. The program can be taken for credit (see additional information about course description & requirements) or as continuing education for alumni, lay ministers, deacons or those interested in a program that combines educational, spiritual and intercultural components. 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.
Our Program Sunday, October 9 We depart from New York City (JFK airport) on an overnight flight to Istanbul. Dinner and breakfast will be served in flight. Monday, October 10 We arrive in Istanbul and meet our tour manager at the airport. Transportation from the airport to our hotel will be provided by a private deluxe motorocoach. After we check in there will be some free time to relax, freshen up and adjust to the new time zone. This evening includes a welcome reception at the hotel followed by dinner. Overnight in Istanbul. Tuesday, October 11 Breakfast. This morning we have a guided visit to Hagia Sophia. Continue with a visit to the Sulemaniye Mosque complex including a hospital, school and soup kitchen as well as the mosque itself. Continue with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Include some free time in the afternoon to relax, shop at the Bazaar, or go to the Turkish Baths. In the evening, we will arrange a visit to a Sufi Tekke (the Mevlev monastery). 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. There are few words that can describe the vast sumptuous complex of the Tokpaki Palace, built by Mehmet II between 1459 and 1465. It provides a vivid portal into the world of the Sultan with opportunities to visit grand palacial rooms, secret chambers, the Harem, kitchens, and the relics of the prophet Muhammed. Its location overlooking the Bosphorus provides great panoramic views of Instanbul. The Sulemaniye Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. It s value for us will be to gain an appreciation for how mosques served as community centers within Islam sponsoring libraries and schools, food distribution, charity and health care. The Sulemaniye Mosque includes these various institutions in buildings that make up this important 16 th century complex. The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered souks in the world with artisans and merchants selling goods from all over Turkey and nearby countries. Sufism is a mystical form of Islam. It is a very popular form of Islam in Turkey as one of the great leaders of Sufism, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, died in Konya and is buried there. We will have an opportunity to learn about the Mevlana movement and experience one of their services. Wednesday, October 12 Breakfast. This morning we will visit St. Savior in Chora to see the Byzantine Mosaics. We will seek to arrange a visit and audience with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch. If time and interest permits a visit to the Synagogue of Ahrida may be included. Mass will be celebrated at one of the Roman Catholic Churches followed by a meeting there to learn about interfaith work in Turkey. This afternoon we fly to Izmir and transfer to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. St. Savior in Chora is one of the most beautiful Byzantine-era churches in Istanbul, boasting magnificent mosaics that recount stories in the life of the Virgin Mary, the infancy of Jesus, the ministry of Christ, and other stand-alone masterpieces.
The Ahrida synagogue is one of the historic places of Jewish worship built by Sephardic Jews welcomed to Istanbul by the Ottoman Turks after they were expelled from Spain in 1492. The Greek Patriarch is the historical successor of the Patriarch of Constantinople and presides at meetings of the Orthodox Patriarchs. Since the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish government recognizes the Greek Patriarch as the head of the Greek minority population in Turkey. Some regard him as the spiritual leader of the Orthodox churches, but this is not an official title. There has been efforts to heal the break between western and eastern Christianity, and the current Greek Patriarch has been instrumental in fostering renewed ties with the Roman Catholic Church. Thursday, October 13 Breakfast. This morning we embark on an excursion to Sardis to visit the two parts of this site. When we return to Kusadasi if time and interest permits we may visit the Museum at Selcuk (Ephesus) or perhaps the House of Mary. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. 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. 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. Friday, October 14 Breakfast. Today we visit Ephesus - including the Basilica of St. John and the main archaeological site. Our visit to Ephesus will include the main site as well as the Museum, Basilica of St. John, the Roman Sloping Villas, and the House of Mary. 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.
Saturday, October 15 After breakfast this morning we embark on our cruise to Greece. All meals are included on the cruise ship. The first port of call is Patmos where we will visit the monastery of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse. 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. Sunday, October 16 Today s ports of call include Crete and Santorini. There will be an option to celebrate Mass on the ship. Optional shore excursions can be book on board the ship. 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, October 17 This morning we arrive early into Pireaus. We transfer via motorcoach to see Corinth (focusing on Paul's mission and stay there) and Epidaurus (to see the theatre and Asklepion). Then we continue on 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. Epidaurus is dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine - Asclepius. This site became a popular place for healing as early as the 4th century B.C. The Sanctuary of Asclepius, as Epidaurus is now known, attracted those in need of healing from places as far away as Rome. Tuesday, October 18 Breakfast. Today we will visit the Acropolis, Agora and Areopagus. The afternoon is free with options to visit the Acropolis Museum and/or the Archaeological Museum. If time and interest permits - include a farewell liturgy at one of the Roman Catholic churches in Athens. A Farewell dinner is scheduled in Plaka. Overnight in Athens. 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. It was to Athens that the Apostle Paul came in the 1st century, preaching to the senators. His first convert in Athens was Dionysius the Areopagite who later became the first bishop and later a martyr. Athens was embellished under the Romans and flourished during the Byzantine Empire during which it developed much of its unique Greek Orthodox art, architecture and religious customs. 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, October 19 After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our return flight to New York.. Inclusive Features Air transportation via regularly scheduled flights between the following cities: >>New York City (JFK) ~ Istanbul >>Istanbul ~ Izmir >>Athens ~ New York City (JFK) First class hotel accommodations in twin-bedded rooms with private baths as follows: >> Istanbul ~ 2 nights >>Kusadasi ~ 3 nights >>Cruise ~ 2 nights >>Athens ~ 2 nights Continental buffet breakfast served daily in the hotels. Dinner served daily in the hotels with one farewell dinner at a restaurant in Plaka. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on the cruise ship daily. Transportation via private deluxe motorcoach with Englishspeaking assistance. Services of a professional, government-licensed, Englishspeaking tour manager/guide throughout Turkey and Greece. Privately guided sightseeing including entrance fees as per the itinerary. Luggage, porterage, road and local taxes.. Program Prices $3225.00 per person based on double occupancy $ 600.00 supplement for single room occupancy $ 425.00 additional estimate- airline taxes, airport fees, security fees, fuel surcharges (estimate as December, 2010) Scholarships are available for permanent deacons, lay ministers and priests. Contact Michael Hartwig at Illume for details: 800-368-6757 ex 131 or hartwigm@travelillume.com 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; does include flight between Istanbul and Izmir) $2725.00 per person based on double occupancy $ 600.00 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: $ 158.00 Deluxe Group Travel Insurance Plan $ 238.00 Deluxe Plan with Cancel for Any Reason The Group Deluxe Insurance plan is optional. If you wish to purchase the plan, the premium is due with the initial deposit. Please write a separate check for the insurance premium. 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: www.travelillume.com/trc/sle The prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received; currency exchange rates in effect May 7, 2010 and on 2010 land and air tariffs and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume s Conditions and Clauses. (for program registration, see following page)
Program Registration: Complete the Registration Application. Forward with your $ 800.00 deposit per person (and insurance premium if applicable) no later than March 31, 2011 to: Rev. Anthony Kissel C/O Religious Studies Department St. Leo University St. Leo, FL 33574 anthony.kissel@saintleo.edu (352) 588-8991 Checks can be made payable to illume. Balance of payment due not later than: July 9, 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. Kissel with any questions. Program No. 9616.11