Patmos Day 2

A great day! It may sound repetitious but it was. The first stop at the Cave of the Apocalypse was moving. The cave is halfway up the dominant hill overlooking the town of Skala on Patmos. To be in the place where John gained the inspiration to write what we know as the Book of Revelation was quite profound.

Entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse

It was noticeable the way in which so many of us took time to sit quietly in that space - just a small cave, now enlarged with a chapel and an icon screen, but the original dimensions are easy to sense. Not sure it was ever a cave as we know the term - more probably a ledge open on two sides - but a very significant space nonetheless. Not allowed to take photos inside the cave so will have to scan the retail version available in the guide book which conveniently was for sale as we left.

The Cave at Patmos. Ignore the iconostasis or icon screen - added later. The railing is around his (presumed) pillow. Note the ledge to right where his scribe, Prochorus, probably wrote as John dictated.

We celebrated Mass outside near the cave in a seating area created for the nearby seminary.

Mass at the Cave of the Apocalypse

The visit to the Monastery of St John on top of the hill overlooking Patmos was interesting, with spectacular views of the town of Skala. The monastery was built in 1088 - hard to comprehend for an Aussie. The museum attached had some priceless church documents, icons and vessels, including an icon by that well known artist of whom I had not heard, but El Greco means something to those of you well-versed in matters of Religious Art.

Had a great afternoon. Alain Sauvage and I managed to hire motor bikes. Alain had prior experience but it took some gentle persuasion to hire one out to me. The vendor agreed but insisted I have training wheels so put me on a quad bike. Great fun. Went to various parts of the island and remembered most of the time to ride on the right side of the road. Others in the group did the same, but some took some convincing. An exhilarating experience.

Alain on his bike

Leon with training wheels

The Patmos Transport System