Today it is called Izmir,third largest city of Turkey.Izmir has been very important port city since 11 C BC.
The Greek word Symrna was used in Septuagint(the Greek translation of Old Tastament)to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh,a resinous substance used as a perfume fort he living(Mathew 2:11) and the death(John 19:39).Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Symrna.Like myrrh produced by crushing a fragrant plant,the church at Symrna,crushed by persecution,gave off a fragrant aroma of faithfullness the God.
In Revelation St. John writes ;……… 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. …..(Revelation 2:8)
Visit agora of ancient Symrna and St. Polycarp Church at the city center.
