The Third Ecumenical Council met in the Church of the Virgin Mary in 431. The principles of Christianity were established during this meeting. Since the Virgin Mary possessed many of the virtues of Artemis, the most magnificent goddess, the new religion gained popularity in Ephesus and spread quickly. Ephesus became important to Christians since St. Paul, St. John, and the Virgin Mary all lived here. The first church dedicated to her was built in Ephesus (see Mary Council Church).
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Members of the council discussed the thesis that the Virgin Mary is not the mother of Jesus, the son of God, but the mother of Jesus, a mortal.
⚠️ Common Confusion: House vs. Church
Many visitors confuse these two distinct locations. Please note that they are completely different sites located 7 km apart:
Located on the top of Bulbul Mountain (outside the ancient city). It is a small shrine believed to be her final home. (Requires a separate admission fee).
Located inside the Ephesus Ancient City (near the harbor). It is the massive cathedral ruin where the 3rd Ecumenical Council actually took place in 431 AD. (Included in your Ephesus ticket).
🤫 Insider Tip: The “Hidden” Council Church
Here is a secret most tourists (and even some guides) miss: Although the Church of Mary is located inside the Ephesus Ancient City, it is hidden from the main tour route. Because it requires a slight detour, many standard group tours skip it to save time, and visitors unknowingly exit the city without seeing this historic spot.
As you walk towards the Lower Gate (Exit) at the end of your tour, look for the ancient Milestones and Sarcophagi (Graves). Immediately to your LEFT, you will see a dirt path leading downwards among the trees.
- It is only a 5-minute walk from the main path.
- Entrance is Free (Included in your Ephesus ticket).
💡 On our private tours, we never rush history. I make sure to show this significant spot to all my guests who are interested in Biblical history.
The Virgin Mary was Buried in Ephesus
🔥 A Clash of Titans: Theotokos vs. Christotokos
Why does this Council matter so much? Picture a heated debate that would shape the future of Christianity. It was a clash between two powerful figures: Nestorius (Patriarch of Constantinople) and Cyril (Patriarch of Alexandria).
- ❌ Nestorius Argued: Mary should only be called Christotokos (Mother of Christ), emphasizing Jesus’s humanity.
- ✅ The Verdict: Led by Cyril, the Council declared Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God / God-bearer). This historic decision solidified Mary’s divine status and led to the first church in history being dedicated to her right here in Ephesus.
Nestorius, the patriarch of Constantinople, first proposed this thesis in Antiochia and later defended it vigorously in Istanbul. To prove his point, he claimed the authority of the Apostles for his views. When the thesis caused turmoil, Emperor Theodosius himself attended the Council of Ephesus. Nestorius, the patriarch of Constantinople; Cyril, the patriarch of Alexandria; John, the patriarch of Antiocheia; the representatives of Ephesus and the Pope were also present. Two hundred religious authorities discussed the issue. They also recorded for the first time, in the proceedings of the meeting, that the Virgin Mary was buried in Ephesus.
📍 Walk Where History Was Made
Did you know you can still walk inside the Church of Mary (Council Church) today? The massive ruins of this double church are located near the Harbour Bath, close to the lower exit gate. Standing within those walls, where 200 bishops once shouted and changed history, is a truly spine-tingling experience!
The Basilica of St. John in Ephesus
In the 4th century, a basilica was built on the site of St. John’s grave on Ayasuluk Hill. Some Ephesians left Ephesus and settled around the basilica since the harbour of Ephesus could no longer be used. When Emperor Justinian built the monumental church at the site of the basilica, almost all of the population of Ephesus moved into the vicinity of the Church of St. John. Don’t forget that you can visit sacred places like the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the Church of Ephesus in our Biblical Ephesus Tour.
From Ephesus to Hagios Theologos
Following the Council and the growing importance of the Basilica of St. John, the city’s identity began to shift fundamentally. By the 7th and 8th centuries, Ephesus faced raids from the sea and land, including the armies of Caliph Suleiman, who spent the winter of 716 here.
As the harbor silted up and security became a priority, the population moved to Ayasuluk Hill, around the fortified Basilica. The city eventually shed its pagan name completely and was renamed Hagios Theologos (The Holy Theologian) in honor of St. John. This name later evolved into “Ayasuluk” under the Turks.
When the Turks came to the area, they found a small village, and Caka Bey captured it easily from the Byzantines in 1304. Ibni Batuta, who had visited Ayasuluk in the 14th century, mentioned that there were Venetian and Genoese consulates and a bishop in this large city.
During the rule of Aydinogullari, Ephesus prospered again. Many mosques, large and small, and baths were constructed in the city, and trade was revitalized. The famous Isa Bey Mosque was built in this period. Ephesus was completely deserted after the early Ottoman period.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was convened by Emperor Theodosius II to resolve the theological controversy over the nature of Jesus and the title of the Virgin Mary. The main debate was whether Mary was the “Mother of God” (Theotokos) or just the “Mother of Christ” (Christotokos).
St. Cyril of Alexandria was the victor. His view that Mary is the Theotokos (God-bearer) was upheld, and Nestorius was condemned as a heretic. This cemented the veneration of Mary in the Christian world.
Yes. The ruins of the Church of Mary (where the council met) are open to visitors inside the Ephesus archaeological site. It is distinct from the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a separate shrine located on a nearby mountain.
Walk in the Footsteps of Saints ✝️
Experience the profound biblical history of Ephesus with an expert local guide. Visit the Council Church, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of Virgin Mary without the rush.
