Cappadocia

Caves near Goreme

We ended our pilgrimage with two days in Cappadocia, enjoying the otherworldly landscape, and visiting the beautiful cave churches of the Goreme Valley. Sadly, photos were not permitted inside The complex iconographic programs were beautifully executed, especially in the tenth century Tokali Church.

We also visited an "underground city," a large complex of caves used as stables, granaries, and dwellings in time of danger. Our final Eucharist was celebrated in a cave church that dates back to the early Middle Ages, and I was delighted to be the preacher, pulling together many strands of our common experience over the last ten days.

We went to a local pottery, where they use the red clay from the River Halys and use a foot wheel to turn the pots, as they have for millennia. Philip volunteered to be the demonstrator and did quite well (with some help from the master potter).

Allison, Philip, and I joined a small group in attending a "sema," the meditation session of the "whirling dervishes," who use a method dating back to the 13th century Sufi master Rumi. The ceremony was graceful and executed with deep spiritual intensity. I was grateful to be able to share in this unique aspect of Turkish culture.

On Wednesday morning, our group bade farewell as we went our separate ways at Kayseri airport (ancient Caesarea, Basil the Great's city, in the shadows of Mount Argaeus, where St. George killed the dragon). It has been an adventure and a delight to share this time of prayer and exploration with 37 friends from across North America. I trust that I will be seeing many of them again, hopefully on another Living Church pilgrimage.