Walking in the footsteps of pilgrims: A journey through Ephesus

The Revd Michael Nayagam writes: 

Pilgrimage is not just something we do – it is who we are. As we journey through life, we walk as seekers, strangers in an unfamiliar land – longing to encounter God. This truth became incredibly vivid during our visit to Ephesus, where the past and present seemed to intertwine in a sacred dialogue.

In this ancient city, fellow pilgrims once walked before us, receiving the message of St Paul and St John. They lived as outsiders, refusing to conform to idol worship and standing firm in faith despite the looming threat of persecution. As we wandered through the ruins, we were not merely exploring a historical site – we were stepping into the story of those who had gone before us, sharing their struggles and triumphs.

Ephesus was once one of the ancient world’s great cities – a thriving metropolis, a centre of trade, politics, and religion. Walking through its magnificent gates, we could almost hear the echoes of bustling life that once filled these streets.

The grand Library of Celsus, once a treasury of knowledge, now stands in elegant ruin, whispering of the brilliance and fragility of human achievement. The massive amphitheatre, where St Paul boldly preached and where crowds once roared in opposition, now echoes only with the wind. The Agora, once a vibrant marketplace filled with merchants from across the empire was also a place of encounters with the Gospel – conversations that shaped the faith of those who chose to walk the path of Christ.

The Temple of Hadrian, an architectural marvel dedicated to the Roman Emperor, stands as a testament to the power and divinity once ascribed to rulers. Its intricate reliefs tell stories of conquest and dominion – a stark contrast to the message of Jesus, the true King, who chose humility over power and love over domination.

Beyond Ephesus, we visited other nearby holy sites. The Basilica of St John built over the tomb of the beloved disciple, stood as a powerful reminder of a faith that has endured through the centuries. Not far away, nestled in the hills, lies the House of the Virgin Mary, where tradition holds that she spent her final years.

There, in the quiet reverence of that sacred place, we celebrated the Eucharist and renewed our baptismal vows. It was a deeply meaningful moment – a reaffirmation of our faith, standing in the very place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, is believed to have prayed. Surrounded by the stillness of the hills, we were reminded of our own calling as disciples, journeying in faith, just as those who walked before us.

As we walked these ancient streets, we did not feel alone. The early Christians of Ephesus were with us – their faith still alive in the stones and in our hearts. Their struggles and triumphs mirrored our own journey. They, too, sought to remain faithful in a world that did not always understand them. They, too, faced moments of fear and uncertainty. Yet their hope never wavered.

And so, in this sacred encounter, we carried their hopes, joys, anxieties, and struggles with us. Their journey became part of our own. Our time in Ephesus was more than a visit – It was a renewal of our own pilgrimage, reminding us that we do not walk alone.