House of Ephesus is a center for prayer and spiritual formation located near the main historical sites of Ephesus. The project aims to recreate the atmosphere of the early Christian communities, inspiring faith and hope through reflection on the New Testament and ecumenical dialogue.
And on the day called the Sun’s day, we gather in one place, whether in the city or the countryside, and the writings of the Apostles and the Scriptures of the Prophets are read as long as time permits. When the reader has finished, the presider delivers a discourse to admonish and exhort imitation. (Justin Martyr, First Apology, 67)
House of Ephesus is a project of the Archdiocese of Izmir and the Attendiamoci ODV Association, an organization founded in Reggio Calabria and active in various cities across Italy and in Jerusalem, with the mission of preventing youth distress and fostering personal growth.
The project is supported by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem as a symbol of communion between the Churches of the Holy Land and as a continuation of the House of Kerygma project of the Church of Jerusalem.
Why Ephesus
Ephesus is not just a city but a crossroads of Christian history—a place where the Gospel took root and inspired the earliest theological and communal reflections. Mentioned 19 times in the New Testament, the city of Ephesus witnessed the preaching of St. Paul and his community, the presence of the Apostle John and Mary, and the work of the Church Fathers. In 431, the Council of Ephesus was held here, proclaiming Mary as Theotokos, the Mother of God.
Symbolic Places of Faith and Spirituality:
- The city of Ephesus, where St. Paul lived with his community of disciples (Acts 19) and to whom he addressed the Letter to the Ephesians;
- The church of Ephesus, addressed in one of the seven letters of Revelation (Rev 2:1-7);
- The Council of Ephesus was held here in 431;
- The Basilica of St. John, housing the tomb of the beloved Apostle and bearing witness to the presence of the Evangelist who, with his community, authored his works here (the Fourth Gospel, Letters, Revelation);
- The House of Mary, where the mother of Jesus, entrusted to the Apostle John, lived;
- The Churches of Revelation, the communities mentioned in the prophetic book, symbolizing Christian faith in Asia Minor.
Ephesus is also the place where the first Christian community experienced Eucharistic sharing and began to reflect on Marian theology. Here, among the ruins and sacred sites, the past comes to life and guides the present toward a profound dialogue with the Scriptures and the history of faith.
Mission and Vision
House of Ephesus was established with the goal of offering a place of prayer, formation, and gathering, where participants can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the early Christian communities and rediscover the transformative power of the Gospel. In a world often lacking points of reference, House of Ephesus aims to serve as a beacon of hope, rooted in the Scriptures and open to ecumenical and intercultural dialogue.
Our Mission:
- Encountering the Gospel in its Land: Through meditation on the texts of the New Testament and engagement with the testimonies of the first martyrs and Fathers of the Church.
- Promoting Reflection and Dialogue: Fostering exchanges between Christian traditions and diverse cultures, in line with the program of the Intercultural Cities of the Council of Europe.
- Renewing Spirituality: Creating an environment where priests, seminarians, religious individuals, and laity can experience prayer, meditation, and personal growth.
- Getting to Know the Local Church: Encouraging exchanges and encounters with those who live and bear witness to the faith in this land.
Continuity with Kerigma House
House of Ephesus builds upon the journey initiated in Jerusalem with Casa Kerigma, continuing and integrating its vision. In Jerusalem, the focus is on reflecting on the path of following Christ—up to the cross, the resurrection, the gift of the Comforter, and the apostolic mission. In Ephesus, the emphasis is on deepening the understanding of the New Testament's composition, the preaching that gave rise to the first Communities, and the theological reflection in relation to the culture of the classical world.
"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem, you will be comforted." (Isaiah 66:13)
Experiences Offered
A unique journey through spirituality, empowerment, and encounter.
At House of Ephesus, each experience is designed to offer participants a deep immersion into the history, faith, and life of the early Christian communities.
For Participants:
- Spiritual Retreats and Residential Weeks: Moments of reflection and prayer immersed in a unique historical setting.
- Itinerant Spiritual Exercises: Retracing the steps of St. Paul and St. John, meditating on the Scriptures in the places where they lived.
- Training Programs: Intensive courses on Johannine, Pauline, and Marian theology, with an ecumenical and intercultural approach.
For Dioceses and the Universal Church:
- Formation for Seminarians: An immersive experience that combines academic study and spiritual practice, enriched by visits to the sacred sites of Ephesus.
- Ongoing Formation for Clergy: Retreats, continuous education courses, and moments of reflection on one’s priestly vocation.
- Development of Leadership Skills: Workshops for young people and educators to foster leadership inspired by the figures of the apostles.
- Community Life Workshops: For small groups, modeled after the early Christian communities.
Other Activities:
- Meditation and Study: Deepening sacred texts, reflections of the Church Fathers, and council documents.
- Ecumenical Dialogue: Promoting encounters between different Christian traditions through shared reflection.
- Intercultural Exchange: Workshops in line with the Intercultural Cities program of the Council of Europe.
A Typical Week at House of Ephesus: A Journey Through History, Faith, and Spirituality
Participating in a residential week at House of Ephesus is a unique spiritual and cultural experience designed to immerse participants in the historical and theological richness of one of the most significant places of early Christianity. Each day is designed to foster reflection, dialogue, and spiritual renewal, alternating moments of meditation, study, and sharing.
The House
House of Ephesus is located just minutes away from the archaeological site of Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of Mary.
Spaces Designed for Spirituality and Sharing:
- Chapel: For moments of personal and communal prayer.
- Study and Meeting Room: A space for reflection, discussion, and growth together.
- Comfortable Rooms: Designed to host pilgrims, students, and residential groups.
- Common Areas: For sharing meals, conversations, and moments of fellowship.
- 5,000 sqm of Green Spaces: Ideal for meditation and contemplation, surrounded by tranquility.
- Multipurpose Area: A field for recreational activities such as basketball or volleyball.
House of Ephesus is designed to host between 9 and 20 people.
Participation and Support
Join the journey of House of Ephesus: contribute to its mission of faith and hope.
- Bookings and Retreats: Participate in spiritual retreats, residential weeks, and training programs. Experience the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of the early Christian communities.
- Collaborations: House of Ephesus collaborates with dioceses, parishes, and associations to organize personalized programs and tailored spiritual activities.
- Volunteering: Offer your time and skills to contribute to the activities of the House and experience meaningful service.
Support House of Ephesus:
- Donations: Every contribution helps keep the mission of House of Ephesus alive, supporting the maintenance of the spaces, training activities, and the hospitality of participants.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with us to promote spiritual, educational, and intercultural initiatives. Support the mission.
- Spread the Message: Share the vision of House of Ephesus within your community and invite others to discover this place of hope and renewal.
The People
don Valerio Chiovaro
The person responsible for House of Ephesus is don Valerio Chiovaro, a priest of the Diocese of Reggio Calabria-Bova, co-founder and spiritual father of Attendiamoci. A biblical scholar, archaeologist, and restoration chemist, he lived for many years in Jordan and Jerusalem, where he studied at the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum under the guidance of Fr. Michele Piccirillo. Don Valerio is also a lecturer in Soft Skills – Communicative Abilities in Relational Dynamics at the University of Reggio Calabria.
Together with him, a group of trained tutors will accompany the experiences in person and remotely.
Emanuele Gaz
Currently a student at the ENI Mattei School, he discovered Casa Kerigma during his physics degree at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Samuele Mazzi
A recent graduate in Computer Engineering with a master’s degree, he is currently working at a company in Modena. Simultaneously, he is pursuing studies in Religious Sciences.
To learn more about the project or to request an experience at House of Ephesus, write to: kerigma@attendiamoci.it
Project Sponsored By:
Archdiocese of Izmir
Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
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Thank you for your time. If you wish to support the realization of the activities of the House of Ephesus project, make a donation now.
Ringraziamenti:
Creato con immagini di Mehmet - "St. John Basilica in Ephesus" • klenger - "The House of the Virgin Mary in Turkey" • mylasa - "Turkey / Izmir / Selcuk November 6, 2019 Statute of the Virgin Mary House of the Virgin Mary (Virgin Mary), the mother of Jesus." • LALSSTOCK - "Old City of Jerusalem with the aerial view. View of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Israel." • kieferpix - "Lending a helping hand. Solidarity, compassion, and charity. "