Meteora Adventures!

Our two day adventure to Meteora; what a time!

This might get a little long and deep, so grab some popcorn, pull up a chair, and begin!

Starting out our time was a lovely road trip with our vans full of incredible eager people; some of which may have been napping the whole time;)

As we were approaching Meteora from a far distance you could already see the incredible beauty. 

The high cliffs that are probably one of the only sights I would consider beautifully terrifying. 

We stopped to get a delicious gyro for lunch in town before heading up to our adventure! 

The monasteries that were built dating all the way back to the 11th, 14th and 16th centuries! They are still perfectly intact and welcoming in visitors to explore and learn their culture and holy traditions they keep close to their hearts. Each monastery is unique in its own way, having historical artifacts that are centuries old still in perfect condition.In the museums you'll find scripture written on scrolls from 11th century or even older. Traditional attire used throughout the centuries, and many other amazing pieces that give you a taste of the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

They detach from modern society and enjoy the simplicity of the calm serenity that is upheld on these dangerous cliffs they find tranquility and peace. 

Another foundational reason for these incredible creations was the belief that: “The higher you are the closer you are to God” Even though there are differences in the traditional values, when you look at the cliffs and feel the peace on these high grounds, you can see why they felt closer to God when building their places of worship here. 

One of my lovely classmates asked me what words came to mind when I saw these monasteries that were built on the edge of these cliffs, and the two words that came to my mind were; devotion and peace. 

I couldn’t help but reflect on my own heart when walking through the beautifully intricate halls full of amazing detail. How is my heart devoted to God? Would I be willing to sacrifice and live on a cliff without the comfort of society? These individuals devoted all they had to simply be closer to God. It resonated with me and had me pondering on the thoughts of what personal devotion to God looks like. 

The incredible peace that was felt while looking at the edge of these high cliffs was almost confusing: shouldn’t I be scared? Is this not one of my biggest fears to be up so high looking off an edge? I imagined how the first person who climbed these steep, rocky and dangerous cliffs felt when they first looked out: it must have been peace. There must have been a sense that they were closer to God: and that is foundation to be separated and detached from a sinful world below, to be closer to God above. 

Even though we personally have different walks as Christians than the Eastern Orthodox Monasteries, we have the Lord within us constantly: you can not stop God and His presence from being in a place. Here I feel Him, because I am walking amongst His beautiful creation around me. As I watch the birds fly below me (which is crazy), I ponder at the greatness and beauty of His creation and how blessed I am to be here. 

Throughout rain, throughout the storms they have continued to stand firm. Reminds me of the verse about the man who built his house upon the rock the rains will come and the floods will rise and his house stands firm. Yet the man who builds his house upon the sand his house gets swept away. 

 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) These testaments of their fathers that were built on these rocks that may look like they are seemingly falling off the cliff, were careful built into the stone meaning when the rains and storms come, they stand still. 

When walking through the museums and chapel of each monastery each painting, a visual representation of the saints and of the Lord. Within those intricate beauties there was little to no darkness as one of our guides (Dom) said it was due to this scripture: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NIV

Throughout these last two days of life changing experiences and views, I decided to sit back and listen to my classmates. hearing each of them express their excitement and reflect was an incredible blessing to me. Each person having a different perspective, but all sharing a similar feeling of amazement. 

I would confidently say these last two days have impacted my life tremendously as well as this trip. 

At the first monastery we stopped at today was St. Nicholas, we were thankful to beat the crowds and the heat to this beautiful place. 

“Oh Lord have mercy on us!” Was a theme in which one would see consistently throughout the monasteries. Knowing we have a sinful nature, but also a merciful and loving God. 

Each of us I believe God touched in the moment, yet, what I want to share is what He did for me. While looking out over the beauty I started tearing up and crying, the reason was something so personal that I left changed. As I was standing over God's incredibly breathtaking creations around me, I started thinking of how underserving I am that the God who created these amazing sights around me, would give me His mercy, love and compassion. Yet, when I looked at the painting of Jesus on the cross in the monastery, I envisioned Jesus smiling at me with a tender loving look, and then I realized His heart. He has plan and calling for each of us and we have the most beautiful, amazing, and loving father living inside our hearts that sacrificed an abundant amount just so that we could know of His love. He is merciful towards us even when we feel underserving is unwavering. The creator of the breathtaking views I am amazed by, is living inside my heart. 

 

Each lookout it was almost instinctual to marvel at the beauty that constantly was surrounding us and give thanks to the Lord for His incredible creations. 

 

As I was observing others and listening to how they described this place, there was much amazement about the detail and care put into each stone laid, each stroke on every painting, and each carefully placed scripture to match the theme. It was all done with precision, these monasteries are meant to be a holy place that is meant to glorify God.

 

Others spoke about the tranquility they felt when they walked around and peace that is indescribable, you can't help but walk slowly and marvel in the environment. 

If I could only bottle up or capture the smell of frankincense in the chapel, or the beautiful sounds of the birds chirping and flying below you, or even the butterflies fluttering by your face. Those are the little pieces that are stuck in my mind when I remember these last two days. 

This evening we arrived safely back at the Greek Bible College, all thanks to the Lord and our wonderful van drivers (Dr. Lawson, and Dom)!

What a beautiful time, with such an amazing group, I am forever thankful for these lovely connections and experiences we have together! 

After these last two days let me leave you with this: 

What does true peace and tranquility look like for you?

What comes to your mind when you think about devotion to God? 

And the sacrifices and lifestyle changes that it may hold? 

Thanks for reading:)