2025 Pilgrimage to Greece

Off to Philippi. This is where the Gospel took root in Europe. Founded in 356 BC by Philip II of Macedon, Philippi became a Roman colony after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. It was an important stop along the Via Egnatia that connected Istanbul to Rome. The city was stabbed in 360/359 BC and abandoned in the 14th century after the Ottoman conquest.

The New Testament records a visit to Philippi by St. Paul during his second missionary journey, likely in AD 49 or 50. Accompanied by Silas, by St. Thomas and perhaps by St. Luke the Evangelist, St. Paul is believed to have preached for the first time on European soil in Philippi. A well-to-do agent of a purple-dye firm, Lydia of Thyatira wa baptized. She provided hospitality to St. Paul and his friends during their stay in Philippi.

We prayed the Holy Rosary and sang the Divine Chaplet on the bus, followed by readings done by John of St. Paul's letters to the Thessalonians.

Our first stop was at Lydia's Baptismal Site and Chapel. This is located on the Zygaktis River, the traditional site of Lydia's baptism. It was a serene spot - and it was here that Lydia was baptized gy Paul, the first recorded Christian conversion in Europe. There is a baptismal pool - still used today for baptisms. It was here, in front of the pool, in a sort of outdoor auditorium, that we had mass.

Afterwards, we prayed the Stations of the Cross, with the words of St. Paul for each station for us to ponder.

I had enough time for a quick look at Lydia's Baptismal Chapel, built in 1974. It has fabulous mosaics showing Lydia's conversion, Paul preaching and the baptismal scene. The chapel's architecture reflects traditional Byzantine influence with its use of marble icons and dome frescoes.

We had lunch at the archeological ruins of Philippi and then had tour of the site. We saw the Roman Forum (Agora) - a central plaza that contains remains of shops, administrative buildings, and public latrines. And we saw the remains of two large Christian basilicas from the 5th and 6th centuries. There was also an Octagon Church - a 4th century church near the forum. It is believed to be one of the earliest churches constructed after Christianity became legal.

Most impressive was the Theatre of Philippi - originally built by Philip II and expanded by the Romans. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public performances. It is still used today. We tried out the acoustics and they are fabulous - those sitting in the high seats could clearly hear everything said or sung from the stage area.

Most poignant was the prison cell where, it is believed, that St. Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Acts 16:25-40). Scholars can't definitely say that this was the site, but the stone chamber and its proximity to the forum support its authenticity.

Next stop was at the Nico Lazaridi wine estate where we had a tour of the winery and then a wine tasting. This winery commissions an artist each year to design a label for their white wine and for their red wine and for their blended wine. The art work was worth a visit all on its own. We thoroughly enjoyed the wine tasting and lots of people made purchases.

On the way home to Thessaloniki, we made a quick stop at Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis, where St. Paul first set foot on European soil (Acts 16:11). Kavala served as the gateway to Philippi (about 12 km away) along the ancient Via Egnatia, a Roman road that linked the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium (now Istanbul).

We had a disco party (lighting courtesy of Dimitris!) and sing-along on the bus during the ride home. Thanks to DJ Chris for keeping us all from falling asleep!

We had a very late dinner and then we all beetled to bed. 7:15 departure for Athens tomorrow.Read more