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When Stones Speak: Theology of Place in Anatolia cover

A Fourteen-Part Video Essay & Podcast Series

When Stones Speak

Theology of Place in Anatolia

From Istanbul across Anatolia, this video essay series explores how places carry faith, history, and living memory.

From Nicaea and Chalcedon to Cappadocia, Ephesus, Antioch, Sebaste, Hagia Sophia, Tarsus, Myra, Ani, Thekla, and Harran, each episode reflects on the Christian traditions preserved in ancient cities, ruined churches, shared sacred spaces, and the landscapes of contemporary Türkiye.

The series brings Catholic reflection into conversation with Orthodox Christianity, Christian–Muslim encounter, human dignity, work, justice, hospitality, and the moral responsibilities of living memory.

Watch the Complete Series Read the Complete Written Collection

Episodes

  1. Episode 1

    The Basilica Beneath Lake Nicaea

    Unity, Ruins, and the Work of Christian Memory
  2. Episode 2

    Chalcedon: Whole Without Confusion

    Christology, Identity, and the Refusal of Erasure
  3. Episode 3

    Cappadocia and the Gift of Personhood

    Communion, Freedom, and the Human Face
  4. Episode 4

    Ephesus and the Hospitality of Mary

    Theotokos, Welcome, and the Courage to Receive
  5. Episode 5

    Antioch: When Scripture Becomes Flesh

    History, Interpretation, and the Name “Christian”
  6. Episode 6

    The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste

    Courage on the Frozen Lake
  7. Episode 7

    Hagia Sophia and the Education of Wonder

    Beauty, Wisdom, and the Human Gaze
  8. Episode 8

    A Bridge of Reason and Mystery

    Istanbul Between East and West
  9. Episode 9

    Saint Paul the Tentmaker

    Work, Dignity, and Holiness in Tarsus
  10. Episode 10

    Saint Nicholas of Myra

    Charity, Justice, and the Discipline of Giving
  11. Episode 11

    Ani: The Theology of an Empty City

    Absence, Memory, and the Refusal to Forget
  12. Episode 12

    Thekla: The Courage to Answer God’s Call

    Vocation, Freedom, and Discernment
  13. Episode 13

    Harran and the Open Tent

    Hospitality, Prudence, and the Stranger
  14. Episode 14

    The Land Remembers

    A Theology of Place for the Road Ahead