Following the Footsteps of St. Paul (23)

The Cult of Asclepius at Epidaurus

The Asklepieion of Epidauros or the Sanctuary of the god Ascelpius was one of the most important and revered Ascelpieia in the ancient world. It flourished as a place of worship and healing from the fifth century B.C. The major festival were the Great Asklepieia which were celebrated every 4 years, 9 days after the Isthmian Games. The worship of Asklepios (Ascelpius) only ended in 426 A.D. when it was outlawed by the Christian Emperor Theodosius II.

This is what the Asclepieia looks like today

a reconstructed view of the Asclepieia

note the Temple of Asklepios in the centre

this is what remains of the Temple of Asklepios

a reconstruction of what the temple looks like

poster in the museum in Epidaurus

The god's cure was based on the faith of the patient. After the ceremony of purification and the appropriate sacrifices made, the patient went to sleep in the precinct of the sanctuary. The god would appear to the patient personally or in the patient's dream. He then gave instructions for the patient's treatment. The therapy involved the epiphany of the god's appearance as himself or in the form of his sacred creatures which include snakes and dogs.

Archaeological finds from the site include large numbers of surgical instruments indicating that the Sanctuary serves as a hospital and a place of healing.

view of the amphitheater from the top seat

Following the Footsteps of St. Paul (23)

The Cult of Asclepius at Epidaurus

The Asklepieion of Epidauros or the Sanctuary of the god Ascelpius was one of the most important and revered Ascelpieia in the ancient world. It flourished as a place of worship and healing from the fifth century B.C. The major festival were the Great Asklepieia which were celebrated every 4 years, 9 days after the Isthmian Games. The worship of Asklepios (Ascelpius) only ended in 426 A.D. when it was outlawed by the Christian Emperor Theodosius II.

This is what the Asclepieia looks like today

a reconstructed view of the Asclepieia

note the Temple of Asklepios in the centre

this is what remains of the Temple of Asklepios

a reconstruction of what the temple looks like

poster in the museum in Epidaurus

The god's cure was based on the faith of the patient. After the ceremony of purification and the appropriate sacrifices made, the patient went to sleep in the precinct of the sanctuary. The god would appear to the patient personally or in the patient's dream. He then gave instructions for the patient's treatment. The therapy involved the epiphany of the god's appearance as himself or in the form of his sacred creatures which include snakes and dogs.

Archaeological finds from the site include large numbers of surgical instruments indicating that the Sanctuary serves as a hospital and a place of healing.

view of the amphitheater from the top seat

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (22)

Great Paintings from the Great Meoteron (3)

sanctification of the water

prayer

listening

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (22)

Great Paintings from the Great Meoteron (3)

sanctification of the water

prayer

listening

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (21)

Great Paintings from the Great Meteoron (3)

painting icons

holy relics

Holy Communion

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (21)

Great Paintings from the Great Meteoron (3)

painting icons

holy relics

Holy Communion

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (20)

Great Paintings from the Great Meteoron (2)

the Divine Liturgy

confession

the choir

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (20)

Great Paintings from the Great Meteoron (2)

the Divine Liturgy

confession

the choir

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (19)

Great paintings from The Great Meteoron (1)

studying the Holy Scripture

Kostas Adamos is a talented painter who painted his deep appreciation of the Greek Orthodox faith and tradition. His paintings are a reflection of this and is displayed in the Theological Galery of the Holy Monastery of the Great Metereon.

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Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (19)

Great paintings from The Great Meteoron (1)

studying the Holy Scripture

Kostas Adamos is a talented painter who painted his deep appreciation of the Greek Orthodox faith and tradition. His paintings are a reflection of this and is displayed in the Theological Galery of the Holy Monastery of the Great Metereon.

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Following the Footsteps of St. Paul (18)

The Cybelen cult, named after Cybele, goddess of Asia Minor, was officially recognised by Rome in 200B.C. Its rites include sacred prostitution. Perhaps a form of this cult lowered the scruples of the Corinthian believers by leading them into temple prostitution ( 1 Cor. 6:12-20). The ruins on top of the hill is the acrocorinth. At one time, legend has it that its was home to one thousand prostitutes.

Here are two views of the acrocorinth from different parts of ancient Corinth. It is a long way and steep climb. Me wonders if the devotees of this cult, after climbing the hill will still have the stamina and energy to perform?

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Following the Footsteps of St. Paul (18)

The Cybelen cult, named after Cybele, goddess of Asia Minor, was officially recognised by Rome in 200B.C. Its rites include sacred prostitution. Perhaps a form of this cult lowered the scruples of the Corinthian believers by leading them into temple prostitution ( 1 Cor. 6:12-20). The ruins on top of the hill is the acrocorinth. At one time, legend has it that its was home to one thousand prostitutes.

Here are two views of the acrocorinth from different parts of ancient Corinth. It is a long way and steep climb. Me wonders if the devotees of this cult, after climbing the hill will still have the stamina and energy to perform?

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Following the Footsteps of St. Paul (17)

Some photos of the Corinth canal. Imagine in the old days, they have to drag their ships across the isthmus on rollers

Following the Footsteps of St. Paul (17)

Some photos of the Corinth canal. Imagine in the old days, they have to drag their ships across the isthmus on rollers

Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (16)

At the acropolis of Mycenae

what am I doing?

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Following the Footsteps of St.Paul (16)

At the acropolis of Mycenae

what am I doing?

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