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Today, our final day, we headed toward the cave of St John in the hills behind the town of Scala. What an impressive place!
Our tour guide, a young lady named Margarita with beautiful English and a great sense of humor gave us the history of the island and about St John' coming to the island. Today Patmos is a world heritage site and proclaimed by the Greek Government as a holy site and so protected. All this because of the wonderful history of this place and the exile of St Paul here.
The cave of St John, where he had his vision and wrote the Revelation is situated on the side of a steep hill. It's entry is via steps leading down inside a church complex, very steep steps. As you walk into the cave you enter the outer cave which was man made to protect this awe inspiring place. The inner cave is simple, rock carved out of then mountain side by wind and rain over the centuries, but immediately you enter this place the presence of the Almighty envelopes you, filling you with His divine presence. this was a very special time for us. Our group sang " be still and know that I am God" but I could not, my heart and throat to full of emotion to utter a sound; we were standing on holy ground.
The cave was, as you may expect filled with symbolism and icons. Later in the day we learned that icons are not just pictures but teaching tools. The artists told a story that could be retold to those who could not read thus teaching them the greatest truths of their religion and theology. Not a bad idea! I must admit that looking at so many frescos and icons I have a new appreciation for them. Later in the morning I stood before a huge fresco of the crucifixion scene and was overcome with sorrow and grief as again I realized that it was my sin that sent our lord to the cross, and as I looked my heart began to resound to the grace and mercy of the Father, realizing that this scene portrayed his love, His great love for me.
We left the cave reluctantly wanting to linger longer, it we moved on to then grounds surrounding the cave where we found shade and seating do that we could gather for devotions.
Following this we traveled further up the hill to the monastery that commands a very high place and is surrounded by a village. The monastery was built as a fortress to protect the monks from invading enemies and looting pirates. It is an impressive structure with seven bells and two beautiful chapels and a breath taking view of the island.
Our tour of this monastery of St John included its museum where we saw many very old manuscripts written on parchment and papyrus. Also many artifacts of historical significance.
This has been my, Peter, favorite site, I would love to spend more time here to see more and learn its history from the locals; but that is not possible, tonight we take the overnight ferry back to Athens and the end if this tour.
What an absolute privilege it has been for us to have walked the footsteps of Saint Paul and to visit the sites if the churches if the Revelation, and this beautiful island, Patmos. We thank God for this gift, and The Salvation Army for their generosity in sending us.
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