Antioch

The disciples 'were known as Christians for the first time' there, Peter was bishop there before going to Rome, and Biblical study flourished there--the city of Antioch was a major site for the early Church.









And today things are still colorful.





We went to the museum before going to celebrate Mass at the Church of Saint Peter. Some of the best pieces were recently uncovered floor mosaics from the Hellenistic era.

This one measures about 8 feet across:








'Soteria' is the Greek word for health--and salvation.




Recently returned from the Great Barrier Reef, this mosaic caught my eye:









A closer look reveals something fishy about the whole thing.




Fans of Narnia would love the place.





















As fauns
















and centaurs abound.





I also found a kindred spirit in the museum:























The caption reads: A sleeping traveler found in Antioch.