Christian Women in Turkey – A History: A Survey of Notable Christian Women in Asia Minor and Anatolia from 33CE to 2021.
I began writing this book in 2017 and it was first published in 2021 on Amazon and other platforms as an ebook, softback and hardback. In 2023 the Turkish version was published in Turkey. The title is:
Türkiye’de Hristiyan Kadınlar – Tarihçe: MS33’ten 2021’e Küçük Asya ve Anadolu’da Yaşayan Kadınlar Hakkında Bir Çalışma.
The Turkish ebook is available from these platforms: https://books2read.com/u/ml6OPv
Türkçe e-kitabı buradan temin edilir: https://books2read.com/u/ml6OPv
Thank you to all those who have encouraged me in this publishing journey and thank you to all those who have bought my book.
Feedback: Please leave a comment on Amazon or wherever you have bought my book. Or get in touch on the contact page. Thanks
- 25 March – The Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Annunciation of the our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary On the 25 March the church celebrates Mary, the mother of Jesus, being told by the Angel Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus Christ, the son of God. The Bible tells the story in Luke Chapter 1. Mary was a young girl, engaged to be married to Joseph.
- 8 September – Birth of the Blessed Virgin MaryToday, 8 September, the Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary, the mother of Jesus, features in the mosaics of the Chora Church of the Saviour, Edirne Kapı, Istanbul. This famous former Byzantine Church is decorated with some of the most beautiful mosaics and frescoes. The frescoes are not currently visible because that part of the building is closed for restoration. The mosaics describe the birth and life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, the birth of Jesus and his ministry. In the video below I use photographs I have taken of the …
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- The Festival of the Blessed Virgin MaryToday the Church worldwide celebrates the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary. it is referred to as the Dormition or Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The picture is of a mosaic in the Narthex of the ancient Byzantine Church in Istanbul, Turkey. Mary is shown dead on her bier. Behind her stands Christ holding her soul, represented as a baby in swaddling cloths. Over Christ’s head hovers a six-winged seraph. Around stand the apostles, evangelists and early bishops. Mary accompanied Jesus during his ministry, was there at the cross as he died. After Jesus’ ascension she is mentioned as …
- 31 May Visit of Mary the mother of Jesus to Elizabeth31 May – The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth When Mary, the mother of Jesus became pregnant with Jesus she was told by the Angel Gabriel: “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month[1].” The narrative continues as Mary goes to visit her cousin: [2]…Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her …
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- St Helena (246-330), Protector of the Holy PlacesSt Helena , is celebrated on 21 May and given the title ‘Protector of the Holy Places’. She was born in the middle of the third century (246-8) at a place called Drepanum (later re-named Helenopolis) on what is now the Gulf of Edremit in western Turkey. The picture is a photograph of the east window of the Anglican Chapel in Istanbul dedicated to St Helena. St Helena gave birth to Constantine on 27 February 270-72 in Naissus[1]. It is not clear whether Helena was lawfully married to Constantius, Constantine’s father. Helena separated from Constantius and was sent with Constantine …
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- Florence Nightingale – Born 12 May 1820 – International Nurses Day 2020
Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910) This is a re-post of the original article on Florence Nightingale as today in celebration of the 200th anniversary of her birth today has been declared as International Nurses Day. For further information https://www.icn.ch/what-we-docampaigns/international-nurses-day In this time of the Covid19 pandemic emergency hospitals in UK have been named after Florence Nightingale. Highlighting the importance of her life work in establishing nursing as a recognised profession. There are hospitals in Turkey named after Florence Nightingale. She is known in Turkey because of her contribution to nursing reform and the establishment of sanitary hospitals which began when she …Continue reading “Florence Nightingale – Born 12 May 1820 – International Nurses Day 2020”
- Jesus and WomenThis mosaic is found in the gallery of the Church of the Holy Wisdom – also known as Haghia Sophia. It was established as the Cathedral Church of Istanbul. It is now a museum. I continue writing my book about the history of Christian Women who have lived in what is now modern day Turkey. Their history starts in AD30 – the year that Jesus Christ was crucified and continues up to the present day. I hope to publish my book later this year. The first two chapters of my book are looking at what the bible has to say …
- 4 December – St Barbara of Nicomedia (235)
Saint Barbara[1] Saint Barbara is celebrated on 4 December. She is known in Greek as Αγία Βαρβάρα, and in Spanish as Santa Barbara. She was martyred for her faith on 4 December 235. Saint Barbara is widely celebrated and considered the patron saint of artillerymen, military engineers, miners and others who work with explosives and also the patron saint of mathematicians. However, as is the case with the lives of the saints it is not clear how much of her story is based on fact. For this reason Saint Barbara was removed from the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar in 1969 …Continue reading “4 December – St Barbara of Nicomedia (235)”
- All Saints Day – 1 November1 November is when the western church celebrates All Saints – remembering all the saints that have lived and inspired their fellow Christians to live a life that is pleasing to God. In the bible ‘saint’ is used to describe those who believe in Jesus and live a life of faith. Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount talked about the characteristics of those who live a life of faith in him. He refers to them as ‘blessed’: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be …
- 13 August – Florence NightingaleFlorence Nightingale (1820 – 1910) There are hospitals in Turkey named after Florence Nightingale. She is known in Turkey because of her contribution to nursing reform and the establishment of sanitary hospitals which began when she had a leading role in setting up the hospital where soldiers wounded during the Crimean war were nursed. Her hospital was established by the British Army in Selimiye Barracks[1](Selimiye Kışlası), Haydarpaşı, Istanbul. In the aftermath of this experience Florence Nightingale contributed much to the training of nurses, the establishment of sanitary hospitals and barracks. The Anglican Church commemorates the life of Florence Nightingale …
- 28 July – St Irene of Chrysovalantou Monastery, Constantinople
St Irene became the Abbess of the women’s Chrysovalantou[1] Monastery, Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). Irene was born in Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, she came to Constantinople at the invitation of scouts, who were looking for potential suitors for Emperor Michael III[2]. After his father, Emperor Michael ll died, his mother, Empress Theodora reigned as regent. Empress Theodora was an iconodule and restored the use of icons in the church[3]. We will look further at Theodora’s life on 11 February when her life is celebrated. St Irene was born into a wealthy, aristocratic Cappadocian family. Irene’s sister was already married to Vardis[4], the …Continue reading “28 July – St Irene of Chrysovalantou Monastery, Constantinople”
- 26 September – St Natalia of Nicomedia (4th Century)
26 September – St Natalia of Nicomedia (4thCentury). St Natalia[1]was married to St Adrian, the head of the Praetorium. He was a pagan and one of his duties was to record the names and responses of Christians who were being tortured in Nicomedia. This was probably in the time of Emperor Galerius Maximian (305-311). Twenty-three believers hid in a cave near Nicomedia, they were caught, tortured and urged to offer sacrifices to the gods. As their names were being recorded Adrian asked them how they expected to be rewarded by their God. They answered Adrian ‘What no eye has …Continue reading “26 September – St Natalia of Nicomedia (4th Century)”
- 15 August – The Dormition of The Blessed Virgin Mary
15 August – Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary This is the day when Christians throughout the world celebrate the life of Mary the Mother of Jesus – the Theotokos[1]. Today’s festival is referred to as the Dormition or Assumption of Mary. The mosaic shows her having ‘fallen asleep’ – which means she died. Her Son, Jesus Christ is depicted as holding her soul, which will be taken by him up into heaven[2]. The bible says very little about the life of Mary. The references to Mary in the New Testament are those parts of her life which are …Continue reading “15 August – The Dormition of The Blessed Virgin Mary”
- 24 September – St Thekla (First century) a convert of St Paul from Iconium who died in Selucia
St Thekla Chapel, Silifke, SE Turkey St Thekla[1]is celebrated on 24 September. She is reported to have become a Christian through the preaching of St Paul who visited her home town on Iconium[2]. Her story is told in the Acts of Paul and Thekla (click on the link to access the text) which was probably written in the 2nd Century. The Apostle Paul visited Iconium in the course of each of his missionary journeys recorded in the Acts of the Apostles[3], and probably took place between the years 47/8 and 57[4]. Ramsey suggests that Thekla’s meeting with Paul took place … - 10 September – Saints Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora – 4th Century
Saints Menodora, Nymphodora and Metrodora were three sisters who were martyred during the reign of Emperor Galerius (305-11). They lived in Bythinia. They are celebrated on 10 or 23 September in the liturgical calendar[1]. The three sisters decided that they wanted to renounce life in the world, live as virgins in a solitary place and live a life of prayer and fasting. They decided to live near Pythia Thermae (modern day Termal, Yalova – a hot springs resort) People would visit to receive healing from the waters. After some time reports began to spread of people being healed through …Continue reading “10 September – Saints Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora – 4th Century”
- 16 September – St Euphemia, Martyr 303, Chalcedon
Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to St Ephermia, Kadikoy, Istanbul. St Euphemia was martyred on 16 September 303, during the reign of Emperor Diacletian. She died in Chalcedon[1], just across the water from what was then Constantinople. Euphemia was the daughter of a senator named Philophronos and his wife Theodosia who lived in Chalcedon. In the year 303 Priscus, the governor of Chalcedon, made a decree that all those who lived in the city should take part in sacrifices to the god Ares. Euphemia was discovered, with forty-nine other Christians hiding in a house and worshiping God and in defiance …Continue reading “16 September – St Euphemia, Martyr 303, Chalcedon”
- 10 September Empress Aelia Pulcheria 19 Jan 399 – 18 Feb 453,
St Pulcheria’s parents were the Byzantine Emperor Arcadius and Empress Aelia Eudoxia, who had five children. Flacilla (397) died young. The younger siblings were Arcadia (400), Theodosius II (401), the future Emperor and Marina (401). Empress Eudoxia died in 404 and Emperor Arcadius in 408. Theodosius II had been proclaimed nominal co-Emperor in 402 and was now Emperor. Anthemius, his Praetorian Prefect, was Emperor Theodosius’ guardian and the effective Regent of the Eastern Empire. In 414 he disappears from view and Pulcheria is proclaimed Augusta and ruled as regent for her brother. Theodosius “was, vacillating and easily led.[1]” Pulcheria, …Continue reading “10 September Empress Aelia Pulcheria 19 Jan 399 – 18 Feb 453,”
- 8 September – The Birth of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary, the mother of Jesus, features in the mosaics at Kariye Museum in Istanbul. I have used my photographs of these mosaics to tell the story of Mary’s birth and early life according to the Protoevangelium of James. This is an apocryphal writing which can be viewed here:Protoevangelium of James I refer to the text using PJ #1 – the first paragraph in the Protoevangelium of James. Mary was a woman who was called to have a key role in God’s plan of salvation for His creation. She was a woman who was ready and willing …
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- 7 September – St Kassiani 810-865, Abbess, ConstantinopleSt Kassiani 810 – 865, Abbess, Constantinople Kassiani is also known as Cassia, Kasia and Ikasia. She was a child confessor, a defender of icons during the final way of iconoclasm and a prolific composer of hymns and non-liturgical poetry. Kassiani was born into a wealthy Constantinople family. She was educated She attended a so called “bride show”. Bride shows were organised by the dowager empresses to find wives for her sons. In May 830 Kassiani was a participant in a bride-show to find a wife for the Emperor Theophilos. Edward Gibbons translates the description of the event from the …
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- 3 September – St Basilissa (300-309) NicomediaThe life and martyrdom of St Basilisa is celebrated on 3 September. Basilisa lived in Nicomedia, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Emperor Diocletian (284-305) and Galerius (305-311) were both based at Nicomedia during their times as Emperor and persecuted the Christians in Nicomedia. John Julius Norwich observes, that “…we must assume that Constantine witnessed, in 303, the deliberate burning of the newly completed Cathedral at Nicomedia – the dramatic inauguration of those famous Persecutions that were to rage, scarcely controlled, for the next eight years.” It is thought that the burning of the Cathedral was in …
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- 1 September – Creation, God, Women and MenCreation Women are mentioned in many of the books of the Old Testament. We will start by looking at the creation story in Genesis, Wisdom in the book of Proverbs and the use of female imagery in the book of the prophet Isaiah. There are many notable women in the Old Testament such as Sarah[1] the wife of Abraham, Deborah[2] the prophet, Abigail[3] who became King David’s wife, Ruth[4] the Moabite who became an ancestor of King David and many others. We will not look closely at these women as our remit is the lives of Christian women who have lived in what is now modern-day Turkey. Those …
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- 5th August – St Nonna
St Nonna is celebrated on 5 August. She lived in Cappadocia from 305 to 374. She was the wife of a Bishop of Nazianzus. Her husband and son were both called Gregory. Gregory the son is the Cappadocian Father who is referred to as St Gregory of Nazianzus or St Gregory the Theologian, he and St Nonna are depicted in the icon to the right. Nazianzus[1]was an ancient town and the home to this famous family. St Nonna’s husband, known as Gregory of Nazianzus the elder wasn’t a Christian when they married. He was known as a member of the Jewish-Pagan … - 22 July – Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is celebrated on 22 (or 23[1]) July she is one of the women who accompanied Jesus[2] as he travelled around teaching and healing. She was known as a woman ‘from whom seven demons had gone out’. We don’t know any more of her story – but presumably there had been an event in her life similar to the healing of the Gerasene Demoniac[3]. Maybe Mary Magdalene’s experience wasn’t as dramatic but none the less remarkable and for that reason Luke identified her by her experience of cleansing from demonic activity. This Mary is always referred to as Mary … - 20 July – St Margaret (or Marina) of Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç)
On 20 July the church celebrates the life of St Margaret of Antioch. She is also known as St Marina. She lived in Antioch in Pisidia which is now near the town of Yalvaç in the province of Isparta. St Margaret was probably martyred in the year 270. She lived during the reign of Diocletian, the Roman Emperor. During the trials and tribulations she experienced she was apparently swallowed by a dragon whose stomach opened and she was able to escape unharmed. Her story is now regarded as fictitious, however she had a strong following in the Middle Ages. Her …Continue reading “20 July – St Margaret (or Marina) of Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvaç)”
- 19th July – St Macrina, Cappadocia
On 19 July each year the Anglican Church celebrates the life of Macrina, who was the sister of Gregory of Nyssa. Macrina was the eldest child, two of her brothers, Gregory of Nyssa and Basil the Great are two of the Cappadocian Fathers. She was a great influence on them. They lived in Cappadocia, in central Turkey. Another Gregory (of Nazianzus) is the other Cappadocian Father. Macrina was probably born in 327AD into a long-established and wealthy Cappadocian family whose faith in Christ had been tried and tested during Diocletian’s persecutions in 303-4. Her father died when she was about … - The Church CalendarThe Church has a calender when it commemorates not only the main Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter but also the lives of key historical figures who have made a contribution to the life of the church. For instance the gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are celebrated on different days during the year. I will post mini-biographies, snapshots, of the women who will be the focus of my book about Christian women who have lived in modern day Turkey. As I have thought about this book I have been very conscious that “… we are surrounded by …
- Introduction to Christian Women in TurkeyOver the years I have been fascinated by the History of the Christian Church in what is now modern day Turkey. In the first century Christian churches were established in many parts of what was then Asia Minor and is now Turkey. The Apostle Paul was born in Tarsus and had a formative role in the establishment and development of the newly formed Church in Antioch (modern day Antakya). The Apostle Paul visited many parts of Asia Minor and established Churches in Iconium (Konya), Atallia (Antalya) Ephesus (Efes) Troas (Truva) and other cities. Turkey, because of it’s past history could …
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