Church of Pergamum: It is the Basilica that was built on 2 tunnels that cover the river of Pergamum. Because of that it is also called "Neither on earth nor in heaven". According to Christian thoughts, the Pergamum's Church's meaning is "to get married", "to be together" or "regret". The first two meanings are, because both religion and government were directing the Basilica. The word "Regret" comes from the Zeus Temple, which was settled in Pergamum and called "Devil's Throne".
The most important period of the Pergamum Church was around 312 to 500 A.D. According to another source, the bishop of this Church was St. Lucas. He was burned in a cave in Pergamum.
The church of Thyatira, today called as Akhisar, which had the most important period between 500 to 1500 A.D., is thought to be there because of the old brick remnants found in the Centrum. The meaning of this church is "Ever Victim". The revelation of Jesus told St. John to write to the Angel of this church as follows: “I know that your work, your love, your belief, your help and patience is more than before. But there is a woman who calls herself a prophet. Her name is Isabel. You let her go and now she is teaching fornication and to eat the Pagan Victims. She is deviating them. I will give all her children death and they who believe her will be suffering embarrassment. They who don’t listen to Devil’s affair will not suffer.†There the pilgrims will see “what seemed to be the ruins of a fairly old Church whose foundation stone points the time when Christians came here and worshipped.â€
The church of Smyrna is situated on the slopes of MOUNT PAGUS where the pagans for his faith, refusing to deny CHRIST even if that would give him his freedom, burned St. Polycarp. The meaning of this Church is "Be faithful" and "The followed one". The meaning comes from the Christians who were followed by the Pagan Emperors of Rome. The most respect had been given to the Church of Smyrna in 2.nd and 3.rd Centuries A.D. The Church of Smyrna is thought to be under St. Polycarp Church, the name of which came from the beloved person Polycarp, who came to Smyrna at 80 A.D. as a slave who has been bought by a rich lady as her adopted child. Later he became the bishop of Smyrna at his 34 years old. Even today, by the entrance to the church, the first things, which we face, are the frescos of the beloved Polycarp, events of his life, which decorate the walls.
The Church of Sardes, St. John said in Revelation to the people of this church “I know your works, you have the name of being alive, and you are dead. Awake and strengthen what remains†(Revelation 3:1-2).
Close by the Temple of Artemis, there is a church surrounded with small stones and bricks. It is thought to be the original church mentioned in the Revelation. This church kept its importance until 1517. The meaning of this church is "Work together with me" and "Being permanent".
The Church Philadelphia, By the shadow of a slender minaret, it has been found a massive brick ruin, which may have been the church, praised in the Revelation. It is mentioned in the revelation to the people of this church: “I know you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not deny my name"(Revelation 3:8)
The church of Laodicia, Little more than a piece of ruins, which is located between Pamukkale and Denizli. The meaning of it is "Voice of People". Some years ago, some smugglers took with them the cross, which was on one of this church's stones. This church kept its importance until the 19th Century.
The Church of Ephesus, Great Ephesus was and great she remains." There is no place on Earth surely that so perfectly displays the transition from paganism to Christianity. Here great is Diana of the Ephesians, here is the double Church of the Virgin Mary, the prison of St. Lucas, the Christians’ crosses carved on stone columns first carved by pagans.
The most respect had been given to the Church of Ephesus at 1st Century A.D. The Church of Ephesus is also called "Desirous". Since this church is the first that lost its meaning and importance, it is also called "The first disappearance of love". When St. John was at the island of Patmos; he got some orders from Jesus. These orders later have been the revelations.
Rome fell. But above all, here Rome's imperial power was supplanted by something new and even more power. Full by love and charity by the unconquerable faith of the humble and persecuted.
Itinerary for 7 Church Round Trip can be organized and modified regarding the requests of the groups.
