The House of the Virgin Mary is located 9 kilometers from Selcuk on Mount Bülbül. It is believed that 4 or 6 years after Jesus' crucifixion, St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus. In 1891 the Lazarist priests discovered that this is the house where Virgin Mary spent her last days, after the dream of the German nun Katherina Emerich. This cross and dome-shaped structure was later restored. After the visit of Pope Paul VI in 1967 to the house, the site is considered sacred by Christians and Muslims. Every year on August 15th. The Assumption ceremonies are held on this day and attract many devoted visitors.

2026 entrance fee for House of Virgin Mary is 700 Turkish Liras per person. 700 Turkish Liras is approximately 13.5 Euros. Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard) payments are accepted. 
​
Opening Hours for House of Virgin Mary:
November-February: 08.00-17.00
March-October: 08.00-18.00

Holy Mass is held every day, from Monday to Saturday at 5:15 pm (November to March) and 6:15 pm (April to October). The Sunday Mass is held at 10:30 am (in English). 

We provide private tours of House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus. 
For more information, please visit the following link: Private Tours of Ephesus or contact us

In the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia (Asia Minor). It was a major port city, strategically positioned along important trade routes connecting the East and the West. Today, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean and a highlight of any Turkey itinerary.

​Ephesus is mentioned many times in the Bible and was one of the most important centers of early Christianity.

Paul the Apostle visited Ephesus during his missionary journeys and stayed there for nearly three years (Acts 19). During this time:

• He preached daily.
• He performed miracles.
• He established one of the strongest early Christian communities.

The Bible tells us that his preaching caused tension because it threatened the worship of the pagan goddess Artemis. This led to a riot in the Great Theatre of Ephesus. The Great Theatre, which you can still visit today, could hold around 25,000 spectators. It was here that silversmiths protested against Paul’s teachings (Acts 19:23–41).

Epistle to the Ephesians is one of the letters traditionally attributed to Paul. It was written to the Christian community in Ephesus and emphasizes unity, faith, and spiritual strength. This letter remains one of the most influential theological writings in Christianity.

Christian tradition holds that John the Apostle lived in Ephesus during his later years. It is also believed that he brought Mary, mother of Jesus to the region for safety.
Today, many pilgrims visit:

• House of the Virgin Mary
  
• Basilica of St. John
  

These sacred sites are located just a short drive from the ancient city.

Before Christianity spread through the city, Ephesus was famous for the worship of Artemis. Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Pilgrims from across the Mediterranean came to honor the goddess. ​Paul’s teachings directly challenged this powerful religious tradition, which explains the strong reaction recorded in the Book of Acts.

Ephesus was:

• One of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation 2:1–7)
  
• A major missionary center
  
• A theological hub of the early church
  
• A meeting point between pagan culture and Christian faith
  

Its cosmopolitan population, wealth, and strategic location allowed Christianity to spread rapidly throughout Asia Minor.

When visiting Ephesus, you can walk through the very streets where Paul preached. Highlights include:

• The Great Theatre
  
• The Library of Celsus
  
• Marble Road
  
• The Terrace Houses
  
• The Agora
  

Although the visible ruins mostly date to the Roman Imperial period, they reflect the environment of the early Christian community.

If you are arriving via cruise ship to Kuşadası or staying in the region, a guided tour will help you connect scripture with archaeology.
At Ephesus Travel Guide, we specialize in:

• Biblical Ephesus tours
  
• Private Christian heritage tours
  
• House of Virgin Mary visits
  
• Seven Churches of Revelation itineraries
  

Walking through Ephesus with an experienced local guide transforms the ancient stones into living history.

The City of Ephesus in Bible times was more than a Roman metropolis. it was a spiritual battleground and a foundation of early Christianity. From Paul’s preaching in the Great Theatre to the traditions surrounding John and Mary, Ephesus remains one of the most important biblical sites in the world.
​
If you are interested in exploring the biblical heritage of Turkey, Ephesus should be at the top of your list. For more information, please contact us.

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Recommended, especially during high season (April–October). Ephesus is one of Turkey’s most visited archaeological sites.  You can buy an online ticket via the following link: https://muze.gov.tr/urun-ekle?catalogNo=WEB-EFS01-87-009
​
​If you are on a private tour, there is no need to prepurchase the tickets. The tour guides have priorities to obtain the tickets. The guided tours guests never wait in lines.

* If you are going to visit other sites besides Ephesus in Western Turkey. There is a Museum Pass which provides multi visits to many sites without waiting in lines and you can make great savings. Valid for Ancient city of Ephesus, Ephesus Experience Museum, Basilica of St. John, Terrace Houses in Ephesus, Archaelogical Museum of Ephesus, Ancient city of Aphrodisias, Temple of Didyma, Ancient city of Smyrna, Ancient City of Miletus, Ancient City of Priene, Ancient City of Sardis, Ancient City of Pergamon, Asklepion of Pergamon and many others. For more information visit the following link: Museum Pass the Aegean - Multi visit pass for West Turkey

For Private Ephesus Tour Costs, please visit: Ephesus Private Tour Rates

Cruise ships visiting Ephesus dock at the modern port of Kuşadası. The port is centrally located, within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
From Kuşadası, it takes approximately 20–25 minutes to reach Ephesus by car. Most visitors choose a private Ephesus tour for flexibility and comfort.

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Once home to over 250,000 people, it was a major trading center of the ancient world.
Here’s what you can see in just one day:Ephesus Celsus Library

• The Library of Celsus

The iconic Library of Celsus is the symbol of Ephesus. Built in the 2nd century AD, it once held over 12,000 scrolls and served as a monumental tomb. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Turkey — and yes, it looks even more impressive in person.

• The Great Theatre

The massive Great Theatre of Ephesus could seat 25,000 spectators. It hosted gladiator fights, concerts, and political gatherings. This is where in 56AD there was a riot against St. Paul by the merchants of Ephesus.

• The Terrace Houses (Optional but Recommended)

The Terrace Houses reveal how wealthy Romans lived. You will see mosaics, frescoes, and even early heating systems. If you enjoy history beyond ruins, this section is worth the extra ticket.

• The Temple of Artemis

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Although very little remains of it left, it is still worth a visit.

Here’s a smart timeline for cruise passengers:
08:00 – Dock at Kuşadası
08:30 – Meet your guide / transfer to Ephesus
09:00 – Explore Ephesus (2–3 hours)
12:30 – Local Turkish lunch (optional)
14:00 – Visit House of Virgin Mary or Temple of Artemis
16:00 – Return to Kuşadası Port
17:00 – Back on cruise ship

Many cruise guests combine Ephesus with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, located on Mount Koressos. According to Christian tradition, this is where Mary may have spent her final years. The site is peaceful, spiritual, and recognized by the Vatican.
​* Please note: depending on the day and the number of cruise ships in port, there may sometimes be long queues to access the house.

Ephesus is large but manageable in 2–3 hours with a knowledgeable Ephesus guide. The key is:

• Wear comfortable non-slip shoes
• Bring water and sun protection
• In the summer avoid midday summer heat

Private Tours Offer:

• Flexible timing
  
• No waiting for large groups
  
• Customizable itinerary
  
• Better crowd management
  
• Guaranteed on-time return
  

Most cruise passengers prefer private tours for a more relaxed experience.

• Comfortable walking shoes (uneven marble streets)
  
• Hat and sunglasses
  
• Light, breathable clothing
  
• Sunscreen
  

There is no strict dress code unless visiting religious sites.

Spending one day in Ephesus from a cruise ship is one of the best shore excursions in the Mediterranean. Between the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the House of Virgin Mary, you’ll experience Roman history, early Christianity, and Turkish culture. All in a single day.
If your cruise itinerary includes Kuşadası, don’t miss this opportunity.

For a stress-free experience with expert local guides, consider booking a private Ephesus excursion tailored to your cruise schedule. For more information, please contact us.

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​Kusadasi Cruise Port

Ephesus is:

• An open-air archaeological site
  
• Covered in marble streets that reflect sunlight
  
• Exposed to strong Aegean sun
  
• Spread across a large walking area (2–3 hours minimum)
  

In summer, temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F). There is almost no natural shade, and the marble surfaces intensify the heat.
That’s why smart clothing choices are essential.

Yes, travelers can wear shorts in Ephesus. Female visitors to Ephesus are not subject to any particular dress code. Attire such as shorts, mini skirts, T-shirts, capris, or sleeveless tops is entirely appropriate. The sole exception is when visiting a mosque, where modest dress is required.

Summer in the Aegean region is hot and dry.
Light, Breathable Clothing

• Cotton or linen shirts
  
• Loose dresses or lightweight trousers
  
• Shorts are perfectly fine
  
• Light colors reflect sunlight better
  

Avoid tight synthetic fabrics — they trap heat and become uncomfortable quickly.
Comfortable Non-Slip Walking Shoes
Ephesus has uneven marble streets that can be slippery.Best options:

• Cushioned sneakers
  
• Breathable walking shoes
  
• Secure sandals with straps
  

Avoid:

• High heels
  
• Flip-flops
  
• Smooth-soled shoes
  

You’ll be walking on ancient stones for hours — comfort is key.
Hat + SunglassesA wide-brim hat or cap protects you from direct sun exposure. Sunglasses are essential due to the glare from marble surfaces.
SunscreenUse SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly.

These are the best months to visit.

• Light layers work perfectly
• T-shirt + light jacket
• Comfortable trousers or jeans
• Walking shoes are still essential

Mornings can be cool, but midday temperatures rise quickly.

Winter is mild compared to most of Europe, but it can be:

• Windy
  
• Rainy
  
• Occasionally chilly
  

Wear:

• Light sweater
  
• Jacket
  
• Comfortable waterproof shoes if rain is expected
  

Crowds are smaller, which makes winter visits peaceful and enjoyable.

At the archaeological site of Ephesus, there is no dress code. You can wear normal casual clothing.
However, if your tour includes: House of the Virgin Mary  It is recommended to dress modestly:

• Shoulders covered
• No very short shorts
• Avoid revealing tops

While not strictly enforced, respectful attire is appreciated.

Located just below Ayasuluk Hill, İsa Bey Mosque is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in western Anatolia. Built in 1375, it is often included in Ephesus tours together with the ancient city and the House of the Virgin Mary. Unlike the archaeological site of Ephesus, Isa Bey Mosque is an active place of worship — so modest dress is required.
For Women

• Shoulders must be covered
• Knees must be covered
• Hair should be covered with a scarf
• Avoid tight or transparent clothing

If you don’t have a scarf, one is usually provided at the entrance.
For Men

• No sleeveless shirts
• Shorts should cover the knees
• Avoid very tight or beach-style clothing

Shoes Inside the MosqueYou must remove your shoes before entering.
Wear:

• Easy-to-remove shoes
• Clean socks (recommended)

Avoid complicated lace-up boots — especially in summer.

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Mary’s House is located on Mount Koressos (Turkish: Bülbül Dağı, meaning “Nightingale Mountain”), overlooking the ancient city of Ephesus in İzmir Province, western Turkey. It is located about:

• 7–9 km southeast of Selçuk — the closest modern town to Ephesus
  
• Roughly 5–6 km from the Upper Gate of the Ephesus archaeological site
  
• Around 70 km from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport
  

This serene hilltop location provides both stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere — perfect for reflection and pilgrimage. 

According to Christian tradition, after the crucifixion of Jesus, the Apostle John brought mother Mary to this region near Ephesus, where she spent her final years. While the Catholic Church has not officially certified the house’s authenticity, countless pilgrims believe it was her last dwelling. Consider this house one of the most probable places in the world where Virgin Mary spent her last years.
In the late 19th century, following the visions of German nun Anne Catherine Emmerich, Lazarist priests identified and restored the site — transforming it into a pilgrimage shrine that’s revered by both Christians and Muslims. 

Today, Mary’s House is a humble stone structure, more like a chapel than a traditional home. When you visit, you can expect:

• A peaceful prayer area inside the house
  
• Lush gardens surrounding the shrine
  
• Holy spring water believed by visitors to have healing properties
  
• A “Wishing Wall” where visitors leave prayers or notes
  

Every year on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, large ceremonies draw pilgrims from around the world.

There is no direct public transport to Mary’s House but it’s easy to reach from Selçuk or Ephesus:

• By Car or Taxi – The quickest way is a short 15-minute drive up the mountain road from Selçuk.
  
• Guided Tours – Many Ephesus day tours include a visit to Mary’s House.
  
• Walking – Ambitious hikers can walk from the Ephesus Upper Gate along marked paths, though this can take around an hour due to the uphill terrain.
  

You may also like:
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​If you have only one day in Ephesus, you can still explore its most important landmarks with a well-planned itinerary. This guide will show you the must-see places in Ephesus and help you make the most of your visit.

• Temple of Artemis

​One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Located near Selçuk, the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few ruins remain, it is an essential stop when visiting Ephesus.

• ​Odeon and State Agora

The Odeon was used for political meetings and musical performances, while the State Agora served as the administrative center of the city. These sites provide insight into the political and social life of ancient Ephesus.

• Prytaneion

The Prytaneion was the official building of the city, where sacred rituals took place. It symbolizes the religious importance of Ephesus in ancient times.

• Curetes Street 

Walking along Curetes Street is like traveling back in time. Along this street, you will see fountains, statues, and monumental buildings. This is one of the most iconic streets in the ancient city of Ephesus.

• Terrace Houses – Luxury Life in Ancient Ephesus

The Terrace Houses are among the most impressive attractions in Ephesus. These Roman houses feature mosaics, frescoes, and advanced heating systems.
Tip: There is an additional entrance fee, but the experience is worth it. Please note that there is 160 steps up and down to visit Terrace Houses. It is not recommended for travelers who have walking difficulties.

• Library of Celsus – The Symbol of Ephesus

The Library of Celsus is the most famous monument in Ephesus and one of the most photographed sites in Türkiye. Built in the 2nd century AD, it once housed 12 thousand of manuscripts.

• The Great Theater – A Monumental Novel Structure

The Great Theater of Ephesus could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators. It was used for performances, gladiator fights, and public events. This theater also has historical significance in early Christianity.

• Arcadian Street – The Ancient Harbor Road

The Arcadian Street connected Ephesus to its ancient harbor.
It highlights the city's importance as a major trade and port center.

• Ephesus Experience Museum

Modern, immersive museum that lets visitors experience ancient Ephesus through advanced technology, sound, and visuals instead of traditional exhibits.

• House of the Virgin Mary – A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

The House of the Virgin Mary is located on Mount Bülbül, near Ephesus.
It is a significant religious site for Christians and Muslims.

Ephesus is a unique destination where history, culture, and architecture come together. In just one day, you can explore world-famous landmarks, walk through ancient streets, and experience one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a traveler exploring Türkiye, Ephesus should be at the top of your travel list.

The Lydians were an important civilization that existed in Anatolia for an impressive period of 505 years. This ancient kingdom, known for its advances in trade and monetary systems, left an indelible mark on the history of the region. 
​
According to some historians Lydians entered Anatolia with Phrygians in the 13th century BC. According to some, Etruscans and Hitites have the same origin with Lydians. There were 3 major dynasties who ruled the empire. In the 7th century BC, Heraklid dynasty took over the rule. According to the legendary story: In the 7th century BC the kingdom was ruled by Kandaules. Kandaules was admired by the beauty of his wife. He mentioned this beauty to his beloved friend commander Gyges. He forced him to see his wife while she was naked. Kandaules had Gyges hidden behind the door of his sleeping room. However Queen saw Gyges while departing and had no reaction. The other day she ordered Gyges to come and see her in the residence while Kandaules was away. She said to him 'Seeing a queen naked should have a punishment. You have two options you either going to kill my husband and become the king or you will die here now.' It was so hard to make this decision of Gyges and he decided to kill his friend Kandaules and became the next King of Lydia. This was the begining of a new dynasty to rule the Lydan Empire. This caused a rebellion, Gyges consulted to the Delphoi Apollon Temple. The answer was in the favour of Gyges. The treasury of Gyges in Delphoi Temple was a symbol of his appreciation.

The peak times for Lydians and their capital city Sardis was over 150 years from 7th century till 546BC. In that time Phyrigians were at the mid part of Anatolia there were Persian and Kimmerian attacks to western Anatolia. Sardis was a very rich capital where Greek and Oriental cultures meet. Sardis was a city which is known with a sculpturing school. Aeolian and and Ionian cities was under rule of Lydians till 546BC. Smyrna was the port city of Lydian Empire.

The first coins were invented by the Lydians. They also invented electron, a coin mixture of gold and silver. In the beginning the ratio was %60 gold, %40 silver. This ratio changed by years.

The King of Lydia was Croesus and he was very rich. He is even referred to in the saying "as rich as Croesus". Much of the wealth of Sardis is thought to have come from a gold-bearing stream that ran through the city called the Pactolos River (Sartcay). Pactolos stream assumed Midas`s Golden Touch when the Phyrigian king bathed in the headwaters and forever after flowed with gold. Lydians were known as refining of Gold. They made small hollows in the ground and used as hearths to melt down the gold dust panned from the Poctolus stream. The native gold was purified further in the banks of small furnaces.

After prosperous days of Lydian period, Persian attacks dangered cities peak times. In 585BC during a battle with Persians a solar eclipse was experienced. This shocked the people and interpreted as the gods was not in the favour of this war. This solar eclipse was estimated by Thales of Miletus who was considered as one of the 7 geniuses of the ancient world. Croesus consulted oracles regarding the future of the empire. Oracles advised him that he will be incharge for the destruction of an empire. He thought the empire will be destroyed will be Persia. However Sardis fell to Cyrus the Great of Persia in 546 BC. According to the legend King of Lydia had a lion son born from one of his concubines. For this miracle Lydian King consulted to the Apollon Temple. The prophecy was if the lion is toured around the city walls of Sardis, no one will conquer the city. Since some parts of the city was on very high slope, some parts were missed during touring. During the Persian siege, a Persian soldier saw a Lydian who dropped his helmet and went down to take it and climb back from the missed parts of the toured areas. The day after from the same area Persians climbed and captured the city and Croesus.

The city was the satrapy (goverment) center during the Persian rule. During the Ionian rebellion the city was destroyed by the Greeks. The city continued to flourish through the periods of Alexander the Great, Romans and Byzantines until it was inhabited by the Turks and then deserted.

It was here at Sardis that one of the "Seven Churches" had been founded. Investigations begun in 1910 by an American expedition exposed a well-preserved temple of Artemis along with a series of Lydian tombs dating from the 7th century BC and later. Since 1958 ongoing archaeological research at the site has uncovered, in addition to important Lydian-period finds, several later monuments, notably a gymnasium and synagogue of the 2-3C AD and several Byzantine shops.

Sardis also became the westernmost terminus of the Royal Road from Susa.

The ruins of Sardis can be divided into four areas: the Acropolis on Bozdag (Mount Tmolos), the Pactolos Valley where the Artemis Temple was built, the city located on both sides of the modern highway between Ankara and Izmir and finally Bintepeler (the Thousand Hills) consisting of 150 Lydian tombs. The ruins to the north of the highway are what were then public toilets, gymnasium and a synagogue. To the south of the synagogue was the main road of the city which had various shops, including a hardware store and a paint shop. The road once formed the westernmost stretch of the Royal Road. These ruins are of Byzantine period and have been dated to the 4th century AD. 

Synagogue is from the 3rd century AD and once was a part of the gymnasium and restored to be a synagogue. Sardes has the largest known ancient synagogue. The synagogue in Sardis boasted an impressive capacity of accommodating up to 1000 people. Its size and grandeur are a testimony to the prosperity of the Jews in Sardes during Roman times and to their eminent position in the city. It was probably not originally planned to be a synagogue as it has a very different layout. It faces the direction of Jerusalem and the entrance is also from the same side through three gates, which open from the courtyard into the main assembly hall. After entering, one has to turn back to see the two shrines between the gates. At the opposite end of the hall there is a semicircular apse with three rows of marble seats which were thought to be for the elders. The floors were mostly covered with mosaics. 

Gymnasium is a large 'Imperial Type' complex consisting of a palaestra next to the synagogue, colonnades on three sides and the main building with the recently-restored ornate facade. According to its inscription, it was bulit in the 2nd century AD and dedicated by the people of Sardes to Geta and Caracalla, the sons of Septimus Severus and to their mother Julia Domna. It was a complex of symmetrically arranged rooms. Around the gymnasium, one can notice the shops as paint shop and hardware shop. And also the part of the Royal road which is 30 feet wide. Bath consists of Apodyterium, Frigidarium, Tepidarium, Caldarium, 

Artemis Temple is located in the Pactolos Valley and was one of the seven largest ancient temples with eight columns at short side and twenty along long side. Artemis temples always lay outside the city. It was believed that an altar dedicated to Artemis & Zeus had existed there as early as the 5th century BC. It was begun about a generation after conquest of Alexander and enormous scale was clearly ment to rival the 3 great Ionian Temples: Ephesus Artemis Temple, Samos Heraion and Didyma Apollon Temple. 3 mentioned temples are built with dipteros style. Sardis Temple was constructed with pseudodipteros style. Cella was subdivided into two possibly for Zeus & Artemis. Western cella dedicated to Zeus and Eastern to Artemis. The heads of Antonius Pius and his wife Faustina is also been excavated proving that Faustina and Antonius Pius was worshipped here. The temple was built in stages, the first part being constructed in 300 BC. Later further construction took place in the 2nd century BC. Again only part of the project was completed. The third stage started in the 2nd century AD. At this stage the cella was divided into two halves by an internal cross-wall, the western half dedicated to Artemis and the other half to the Empress Faustina, who was deified after her death. 

Ruins of a small building at the southeastern corner of the temple belong to a 4th century AD church. According to some sources it is referred to as one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation. However, this cannot be correct as congregations not the actual buildings were meant by churches at that time.

Mounds: Burial mounds can also be noticed on the way. These individual thombs of kings and royalty of the 7th & 6th centuries BC. The largest mound is in the height of 200 feet.

​According to some historians, there is a belief that the origins of the Etruscans date back to this region. In 1600BC on the Greek island of Santorini, known as Thera in ancient times. The volcanic eruption that occurred had important consequences for the region. The eruption released a massive ash cloud that made the land unsuitable for agriculture, potentially causing the Etruscans to migrate to modern-day Italy. It is a theory that sheds light on the possible reasons behind the Etruscan presence in Italy and offers a potential explanation for their origins.

The Ionic column from Sardis displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis, one of the largest temples of the ancient Greek world, located in western Anatolia. Dating to around the 3rd century BC, the column represents the elegance of the Ionic order, recognizable by its fluted shaft, carved base, and scroll-shaped volutes on the capital. The fragment at The Met is reconstructed from pieces excavated during early 1900s American archaeological campaigns at Sardis and gives visitors a sense of the temple’s original monumental scale—the full columns once rose more than about 58 feet high. This column is especially important because it reflects the Anatolian origins of the Ionic style and illustrates the high level of craftsmanship achieved in Hellenistic architecture.

In the vicinity of Ephesus ruins, there is a good selection of boutique hotels for travellers who are seeking for comfortable and clean accomodation.

Here are some tips which will help you to choose where to stay: ​

• Mary was officially affirmed as ''Theotokos''

Theotokos means “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.” The council declared that Mary could rightly be called Theotokos because Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human from the moment of His conception.

• Nestorianism was condemned

The teachings of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, were rejected.
Nestorius taught that Christ had two separate natures (one divine, one human). He believed Mary gave birth to Christ’s human nature, not to God’s divine nature. Because of this, he objected to calling Mary Theotokos (“God-bearer”), preferring Christotokos (“Christ-bearer”). The council affirmed instead that Jesus Christ is one person with two natures (divine and human), united without separation. The council emphasized that Christ is one Person (hypostasis). His divinity and humanity are united in one person. Because he refused to accept the council’s teaching, Nestorius was removed from his positionas Patriarch of Constantinople.

​The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is a very important Christian feast, especially in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches.
Theotokos = *Mother of God* 
Dormition = *falling asleep* 

So the feast commemorates the falling asleep (death) of the Virgin Mary, and her being taken into heaven by Christ. The Feast of Dormition of Mary is a significant celebration observed on August 15th by Eastern Orthodox Churches, while the Roman Catholic Church commemorates the same day as the Feast of Assumption. The East emphasizes Mary’s death and the West emphasizes her being taken up into heaven. August 15th is a day of profound reverence and reflection for believers in both faiths as they celebrate the spiritual significance of Mary's role in Christian theology. The dual observance on the 15th of August showcases the deep historical and cultural importance of Mary in the Christian faith, uniting followers in devotion and commemoration of her extraordinary life and spiritual legacy.