Wednesday 

Our day began in the early morning hours, under grey skies and light rain, setting a contemplative tone for the journey ahead. Panos, our bus driver, navigated the road skillfully while Aliki (Alice), our guide, provided insightful commentary about Thessaloniki’s, Macedonia, and Greece’s rich history. Her thoughtful and eloquent words made the ancient world feel present, alive.

As we traveled along the new Egnatia Odos, which follows the same route the apostle Paul once took from Kavala to Philippi to Thessaloniki, we were reminded of the road’s New Testament roots. Originally constructed by the Romans in 150 BC, this historic path connected us with the past in a deeply meaningful way. 

Our first stop was in Amphipolis, where we marveled at the Marble Lion of Amphipolis, an imposing monument from 350 BC that Paul himself would have seen on this route. Continuing to the ancient port of Kavala, once known as Neapolis, the scenes from Acts 16:11-15 felt tangible as we stood on the very stones Paul might have walked. The ancient port’s weathered stones whispered stories of the past, and after a brief but memorable stop, we continued to Philippi.

Lunch was a delightful pause, featuring authentic Greek cuisine. I absolutely enjoyed the fresh Greek salad and the tasty meatballs, prepared more like sausage links. Other pilgrims had grilled chicken, fries, and grilled pork on sticks. 

From there we trekked to the ancient amphitheater. Standing in the very place where early Christians may have faced martyrdom, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of their dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. Passing through the archway into the heart of the city, we were greeted by the sight of ongoing excavations, revealing the remnants of the early church and the bustling forum, or agora—a gathering place for the people.

Close to the agora is the presumed site of Paul and Silas’s imprisonment, as recorded in Acts 16:12-32. I stopped here to reflect on the sacrifices Paul and other apostles made for the sake of the Gospel. Later on, we walked on the same marble roads that Paul, Luke, and Silas once walked, feeling a deep sense of humility and I felt a tangible connection between the Bible time and the present.

Our final stop was just outside Philippi at the church dedicated to Paul. This site also honors Lydia, a woman of influence and the first convert in Greece, baptized here. It was at this river that Paul baptized Lydia, the first Christian baptized in Greece. The church dedicated to both Lydia and Paul – the Baptistry Church of St. Lydia and St. Paul. The paintings of Lydia reminded us of her importance in Paul’s ministry and the wider spread of Christianity in the region. In this ornate, gorgeous chapel, the voices of the pilgrims filled the air in song to our Father. 

As we travelled back to Thessaloniki, the bus grew quiet. Some reflected silently on the profound experiences of the day, while others succumbed to jet lag, drifting into sleep. The day had been rich with Biblical history, and as we made our way to the hotel, it was clear that the journey had touched us all in ways we are still coming to understand.