Patmos

We sailed by night to the little island of Patmos, a Greek isle. At breakfast, we got to watch as the boat pulled in. Now, our ship is small compared to many cruise ships, but it dominates this little port. I was amazed as I watched them pull up to the dock…in reverse…and place the boat right where it needed to be.

Our tour was in the morning, as we visited the monastery on the hill and the Cave of the Apocalypse. (Ask me how the locals pronounce “Apocalypse.”) Centuries ago, monks came here to establish a monastery because this tiny island is the place where John received the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Far from being a road map to the end, Jesus came to reveal himself to his friend, John, when he was in exile in this place. He came to encourage and strengthen the Christians in Asia Minor. The monastery was supposed to be built on the place where tradition says John received his revelation, but because there was such a problem with pirates in those days, it was built on the top of the mountain instead. It’s a winding, treacherous path up to the monastery, and the smell of incense fills the air of this Greek Orthodox sanctuary.

From the top of the mountain, we traveled to the Grotto of the Apocalypse. In the small cave is the traditional location where John wrote the book, and the ceiling of the grotto is cracked in three places. Tradition says that’s where the ceiling was split open (in three pieces representing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and Jesus spoke to John there. We sang “O Come Let Us Adore Him” together, and I couldn’t help but sing “Revelation Song” to myself in that place.

After lunch, six of us headed out in search of an acropolis at the top of the Kistelli mountain. Not knowing exactly where to go, David daSilva asked directions several times and got a different answer each time. Either through divine guidance or dumb luck (probably a combination of both), we wandered through a junkyard, a chicken coop, a field full of goats who had two legs tied together (I’m not kidding) until we found the path that led to the top of the mountain, where we found a small church and the remains of an ancient fortress. The view from the top was spectacular as we could see much of the entire island.

The walk down was much easier, and Rachel was motivated by the promise of free Wifi at the bottom. For a bit, we relaxed in a cafe on the streets of Patmos. Tonight we pull out and head to Rhodes, Greece.