Day 6: A free day to explore the isle of Rhodes on our own. t was nice to be a little slower paced and discover sites and surprise delights. Rhodes is beautiful (as is everywhere we went.) It is named after the nymph Rhodos, the daughter of Aphrodite, and has nothing to do with the Rhodes Scholarship, although I did see several smart looking students.
Paul visited the island while returning to Jerusalem from his third missionary journey. There’s no information as to whether he stayed in the harbor or if he traveled through the island to spread the Gospel. But he was there and from what we know of Paul, I doubt he was idle.
We mainly wandered the old town, walking the old walls of the city and visitng the castle of the Knights of St. John, from the 14th and 15th centuries. Their primary objective was to look after the welfare of the wounded and ailing crusaders. Ultimately the island of Rhodes was finally captured by the Turks in the year 1522 and The Knights of Rhodes were provided safe passage.
Today, it is a thriving tourist town and an ideal place to explore, eat a gyro, shop, and enjoy the beach and the sun.
We also prayed the office every day and most days were able to share the Eucharist together. That really was an important element of the pilgrimage. No matter how tired, we all showed up for prayer. And some Anglican Australians overheard us talking and were so delighted that they joined us for Eucharist on the boat during our time visitng the islands. One was a Senior Warden. We becamse fast friends!
Magdalena's Musings 