Take a pilgrimage with Steve and Janet Ray!
Cruise Day 8: Santorini, Steve’s Talk on Mary’s 19 Sorrows, Most Unusual Dinner Ever!
Two videos below: 1) Day at Santorini; 2) Steve’s seminar talk “12 Unknown Sorrows of Mary”
Today the ship pulled in early to Santorini which is officially named Fira. It was a free day for our group since it is not a biblical or pilgrimage site. Some people stayed on the ship, but most of them got off to explore the island.
We had Mass at 11:30 for those on the ship and a Communion Service at 8:30 for those who were away and missed Mass.
Steve gave his 3rd talk in the seminar series entitled “Twelve Unknown Sorrows of Mary“. The full hour talk is attached as a link below.
Janet and I then had the most unusual dinner we’ve ever had. It was loaded with good content to send to our grandkids. I think you’ll enjoy it as well. At 8:30 PM we had a communion service for those who missed mass this morning.
This British Guy Gets It! “My Christianity is NOT for wimps” as he shouts down a liberal crowd!
This is the kind of Christianity and proclamation that will set young people on fire, not the rainbow flag crowd!
Cruise Day 7: Ephesus, Mary’s House, 3rd Ecumenical Council, Rug Demonstration, St. John’s Tomb
Three videos below: 1) Summary of our Ephesus Day, 2) Steve 10-minute talk on Mary from the Council Church of 431, 3) Steve’8-minute talk at St. John the Apostle’s tomb
The cruise docked in Ephesus (Kusadasi), and we left the ship to drive north to Mary’s House, Nightingale Mountain, about 2 miles east of ancient Ephesus. We had Mass at a nice outdoor site with a view of her house. Everyone loved walking through her house, and we explained when she lived there and the circumstances. After time to do a bit of shopping, use restrooms, and get water from Mary’s well, we headed to the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
This is about an hour-and-a-half walk through the streets of Ephesus, once one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, with up to 250,000 people. Paul lived here for two years. I read the passage from Acts 19 about his time here.
At the end of the city, and a little distance away, which most people never see, we visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, where the 3rd Ecumenical Council took place in 431. Here, the council declared Mary the Theotokos, the Mother of God. I give a talk there about Mary.
Next, we have our finest lunch of the trip: over-the-top grilled Turkish food—Downton Abbey style —and a visit to the rug factory. We end the day at the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, praying at his tomb. Then people have free time to eat fresh seafood along the coast or to return to the ship. We left at 8 PM.
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