In the footsteps of St. Paul
A group of 30 Salvation Army Officers will be undertaking a pilgrimage and study tour to Greece and Turkey in June 2012. The tour is called, "In the Footsteps of St Paul", and the group will be led by Lieut. Colonel Brian Hood, the third such tour for officers from this territory.
Starting in Athens, Greece the two week tour will visit places of Paul's ministry including Corinth, Thessalonika, Phillipi, Lydia, then cross into Turkey to Gallipoli, Troas, Smyna, Sardis, Philadelphia, Ephesus and the Island of Patmos, before finishing in Athens. The tour will expose officers to the historical context of the biblical narrative as well as experiencing something of the culture in the places where Paul ministered. Time for personal spiritual reflection is an important part of this pilgrimage as it also covers the seven churches of the revelation.
Major Colin Daines is part of the group and he will be posting regular updates from his journey.
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Footsteps Day 1 - Athens, June 1
Weary-eyed but resilient the group of 31 officers arrived at our Athens hotel late on Friday afternoon, after nearly 24 hrs of travel.
During a welcome and briefing meeting led by our tour leader Lieut. Colonel Brian Hood, the pioneering Greek officers Polis and Maria were introduced.
Each gave a brief outline and testimony of their work, including the special link with Australia going back before the inception of the Army opening its work in Greece.
A highlight of their story was the providential way that God's holy spirit opened the way for the work of the Army to start as well as daily evidence of his leading and presence.
A donation of funds from present and past tour delegates enabled Lieut. Colonel Brian Hood to present a cash gift for the ongoing ministry in Greece. In addition Salvo Polo shirts were also donated and presented.
Following prayer, we enjoyed a great meal together and retired with the anticipation of our first outing to the ancient city of Corinth the next day. -
Captains Polis Pantelidist and Maria Galinou with Lieut.Brian Hood at Tour group's briefing meeting.
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Footsteps Day 2 - June 2 - Corinth
On our first outing as a group, today we visited the ancient city of Corinth. It is a partly excavated site, overlooking the sparkling Adriatic sea.
Looming high above this site is the 600 meter hill called 'acrocorinth' with the temple of Aphrodite astride it's peak.
While the story of Paul's appearance before the Proconsul in Corinth from Acts 18:1-17 was read to us we imagined our own participation in listening to the charges he faced at the very same spot of ruins.
We imagined the outrage of the Jews as the Proconsul refuted their complaints before turning his back and walking away.
We had a sense of relief and joy as Paul was free to stay in Corinth and spread the gospel. We were reminded of God's affirmation to be with him in this place.
In different parts of the site, tour groups like ours were visible. Russian, German, Greek and youth tours looking, listening, sitting in contemplation.
Nearby we also visited a monument in marble to Paul's "love" chapter, recorded in four languages. Significantly the temple of Aphrodite, where it is estimated perhaps a thousand temple prostitutes dispensed 'love', looks down on this monument to Christian love.
Despite the passage of time and dereliction, there was a dynamic sense of being present in a special moment.
On our return to Athens we said farewell to Polis and Maria who had accompanied us on this part of our tour. -
Celebrating Bruce Robinson's birthday
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Firing up Miriam Gluyas' birthday
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Our tour guide Lula in full swing
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The Parthenon on the Acropolis
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Tourists on Mars Hill, Aeropagus where Paul addressed the Athenians
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Monument to Paul's love chapter in Corinth with temple of Aphrodite on acrocorinth hill behind.
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temple of Apollo in Corinth
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NZ Officers tour group with our group at dinner in Kalambaka.
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Footsteps Day 3 - June 3 - Athens Acropolis
After some riotous fun at breakfast celebrating birthdays for Miriam and Bruce, we set of to the Acropolis.
One of the most iconic historical and touristy sites in the world, the Parthenon Temple is an architectural wonder both in construction and resilience over thousands of years.
While so much is damaged and so many statues destroyed, for the Athenians this Temple symbolized security, beauty and victory.
Below it, sits the rock of Mars Hill (Aeropagus), overlooking the city surrounds, where the Greek philosophers and elders met to debate matters of democracy.
So enter Paul and his opportunity to testify to the God whose works were not made with human hands. While commending their religiosity he introduces the one true God and Jesus Christ and his resurrection.
It was as if he slapped them in the face. What boldness and courage.
In the shade near this place we read the scripture, reflected and prayed with a sense of awe at Paul's missionary faith. We rejoiced in the knowledge that God used him in the conversion of Dionysius and Damaris, who tradition suggests helped promote Christianity in Athens. -
St Barbara's Nunnery, perched on the rocky hilltop at Materora
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Holy Trinity Monastery which was also used in a James Bond film.
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Liuet. Colonel Brian Hood making a special presentation to Lieuts Anastasia Arpatzi and Neofytos Totsios, the Officers in Thessaloniki.
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Footsteps Day 4 - Mateora Monasteries - June 4
Without the Birthday celebrations to start the day the mood was instead one of awe and expectancy as drove up the winding road towards the precariously perched monasteries atop a series of rocky hilltops.
Their positioning and building construction was amazing and as a tourist the sceenery from various angles looking out and down was breathtaking.
The contrast from Athens was significant. In Athens there was glorification of everything human, especially the healthy, strong men and women as well as statues to Ceasars and soldiers.
Here it was the opposite. It was all about the soul of man and his dependence on God. There was a sense of humility, commitment, loneliness and isolation.
After battling the many other tourists and tour buses we went on to Berea where Paul had a welcoming and significant influence. Our devotions allowed us to ponder again the power of the gospel and the importance of examining the scriptures.
Joining us for dinner were the Officers from Thessaloniki, Lieuts Anastasia Arpatzi and Noefytos Totsios. Their testimonies were inspirational as they shared their ministry dreams and opportunities. -
Footsteps Day 5 - Thessaloniki - June 5
Following a well received sleep at our hotel on the bay at Thessaloniki, we spent the morning discovering the evidence of gospel influence brought by Paul.
In our devotions we reflected on Paul's message and how in just a few weeks Christianity took hold in the city. It was not received well by all and he was forced to move on, to Berea and then south towards Athens.
As we reflected on the past we then prayed for the future gospel expansion through the fledging work of the Salvation Army. We especially claimed the 10 new soldiers and their families for God.
In a visit to to the iconic Church of St. Demetrius we learnt of the significance and history of this patron saint of the Thessalonians. Finally the views from the hilltop ruins of the acropolis ended a great visit to this vibrant and picturesque city. -
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrious in Thessaloniki
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At the acropolis overlooking the bay at Thessaloniki
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At prayer in the foreshore park, Thessaloniki
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Footsteps Day 6 - Kavala - June 6
Today we went exploring the port town of Kavala, the biblical name being Neapolis
It was here that Paul landed in Europe for the first time in obedience to the vision "to come over to Macedonia to help us".
We saw the church where a mosaic depicts Paul's vision and landing, the multi level water aqueduct from 16th century and visited the ruins of the acropolis of Kavala. We walked, climbed and strolled the hilly narrow streets and experienced first hand the friendliness and hospitality of the locals.
In our devotions we remembered that Paul in sailing from Troas to Neapolis and then moving inland to the city of Philippi may well have been using this time to wait on God and prepare for his incredible ministry in Europe.
Tomorrow we too head into Philippi to capture something of the significance of Christianity's birthplace in Europe. -
Aqueduct of 16th Century by Suleyman the Magnificent in Kavala.
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Simone Robertson, Lyn Daines, Miriam Gluyas and Maree Strong on top of the Acropolis tower overlooking Kavala harbor. Heroic climbers all!
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Mosaic depicting Paul's vision and landing at Neapolis, now Kavala.
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Footsteps- Day 7 - Philippi - June 7
Today we visited the place where Western Europe's first Christian convert was made -a leading business women named Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)
A recent building has been erected to honor this encounter (Bapistery of Lydia) complete with beautiful frescoes.
We went down to the site by the river just outside the city that is preserved as the site where Paul met with the group of Jews and God-fearers for worship.
There we took time to consider the scripture and reflect in prayer on this simple but significant encounter, with the water gently flowing past.
It was here that Paul first preached the gospel on western European soil. It was here that Lydia became the first Christian convert in Europe. The first church in Europe was established here at Philippi. The growth of this church was such that years later Paul wrote to other churches commending this church's generosity. And we sat by the river, in the open air, contemplating and rejoicing in that moment, so long ago.
The simplicity of the message, where Paul sitting down and in normal discussion shared the gospel message about the Lord and Lydia believed.
The simplicity inherent in Lydia's response, where the offer of hospitality and fellowship followed naturally.
The spark of the power of the gospel was to quickly see a slave girl and then a jailer and his family also believe, giving momentum to the gospel's spread.
Amongst all the historical reminders of Christianity's European beginnings the simplicity of the meeting, message and momentum spoke to us powerfully.
Visiting the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi was next and again we marveled at the opportunity to walk in Pauls footsteps along the 'via egnatia'
and the marketplace where he walked and spoke. -
River stream where Lydia is thought to have been converted and baptized, outside Philippi
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Part of our tour group resting but taking in the explanation of ruins of the ancient city of Philippi
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Looking down from the top of the theatre at Philippi
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A frescoe in the Baptistry of Lydia, depicting Philip's baptism of the Ethiopian.
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Celebrating Elwyn Grigg's birthday at breakfast this morning.
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Footsteps Day 8 - Gallipoli, Turkey - June 8
Today marked both the half-way mark in our journey and the change from Greece to Turkey.
At the hotel in Alexandroupolis last night we said our thank you's to our tour guide Lula and driver Elias. We were blessed by their service and influence.
In the morning, after a birthday celebration for Elwyn, we made the border crossing to a Turkish coach, driver Yusuf and tour guide Omer.
We then journeyed to the Gallipoli peninsular and a series of visits to some of the grave and memorial sites commemorating the Anzacs.
Standing at Anzac cove and taking in the beach where they landed; looking up at the hills they attempted to secure; gazing at the now turquoise blue sparking Aegean sea; visiting Lone Pine Memorial the eventually making the top where the NZ memorial and a statue of 'Ataturk' are located were all memorable moments. Walking in the trenches at this summit and looking down at the impossible terrain was sobering.
At Anzac Cove memorial we had devotions complete with the Last Post and Reveille. It was a surreal moment as we reflected on the sacrifice of human life in the cause of war and spent time in prayer.
We also contemplated our call to the cause of Christ and his sacrifice for us.
It was a moving and unforgettable time.
After leaving Gallipoli and taking a ferry crossing to Canakkale, we realized we had left Western Europe and arrived in Asia Minor.
Our first day in Turkey has taken us by surprise both scenically and culturally and we look forward to rejoining Paul's journey at Troas tomorrow. -
The sweep of one part of the beach and hills at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli,Turkey
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Bruce and Gwenda Pratt at a memorial stone at the beginning of Anzac Cove
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The beautiful Lone Pine memorial at Gallipoli
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Footsteps Day 9 - Troas and Pergamon - June 9
Today we left the modern and cosmopolitan city of Canakkale for visits to historical sites of significance.
Troas was the port in Asia Minor from which Paul sailed to Neapolis and began his European part of his second missionary journey.
Today the ruins of this great ancient city are buried under dirt, rock and undergrowth from following generations. In places the excavations are such that we walked on top of huge columns disappearing into the ground. In another part huge arches and rocky walls spread along the area give clues to a massive roman baths complex. In it's biblical day this impressive city spanned terraces from our hill top position right down to the sea.
Later we came to Pergamon, the church mentioned in Rev. 2 where 'Satan has his throne'. Yet again we were blown away by the size of this hilltop city, now reached by way of cable car up a very steep slope. Acer Arena has nothing on the height and slope of the theatre where vertigo was a real challenge. The temple, palaces, treasury, the altar of Zeus and the Agora and marketplace were in various stages of ruin, but massively intimidating. This covered three separate terraces and the view from the top was amazing!
Back in the town of Bergama, we visited the church of the Egyptian gods where we had our devotions, focusing on Rev 2. There was no doubt in our minds that like Johns message to the church here, we too need to hold firm to the truth and live out our faith with integrity. The day also reminded us that no matter how great our man made structures, only God's word remains true forever!
More Revelation churches tomorrow but first a magnificent sunset over the Agean sea from Dikili. -
Part of the church being excavated at Troas.
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Some of the remaining arches marking the entrances to the Roman Baths complex at Troas
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The view looking down from near the summit of the theatre on the acropolis at Pergamon
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Our tour guide Omer and part of our group on the seats of the theatre about half-way up.
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The Temple column ruins near the summit of the acropolis Pergamon
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The well preserved colonnade of arches underneath the Pergamon Temple where the treasury was stored
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Sunset over the Agean Sea from the beach at our Dikili hotel
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Footsteps Day 10 - Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea -June 10
Visiting the seven churches of Revelation took us through the townships of Thyatira, (where Lydia of Philippi came from) and then Sardis. Later we also stopped at Philadelphia for lunch where we were reminded of the positive message to this church.
Sardis has two main excavated sites, the Roman Baths with a Jewish Syngogue and then the Temple of Artemis with a small Christian chapel.
The Roman baths have been partly restored giving a glimpse of it's former glory and massive size. Underground heating in the main pool area and a maze of small ante rooms suggest very sophisticated bathing culture.
Adjacent to the baths is the Jewish Synogogue complete with small shops lining the perimeter of the building. Towards the rear of the main hall are wall mosaics of what are now seen in patchwork designs.
The Temple of Artemis is twice the size of the Perthenon at the Athens acropolis, but is nowhere near as well preserved. The small Christian chapel at the rear is a later addition.
Under some of the column ruins we were reminded of John's message to the church at Sardis. Though they did not realize it he said they were 'dead'. Lethagy and spiritual apathy had deadened them to the Spirit of God.
We affirmed our desire to be alive in Christ and responsive to his voice.
Late in the afternoon heat we visited the site of current excavations at Laodicea. Again a massive site where the main road is still in a reasonable state and the temple columns and layout clearly recognizable.
A day full of amazing features and where the reality of the ancient civilizations impressed us all and put the spread of the gospel in context. -
Our tour group at the partly restored Roman baths, Sardis
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Looking into the partly restored Roman baths Sardis
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The Altar in the Jewish Synagogue Sardis
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Mosaics at the side rear of the Jewish Synagogue clearly depicting what we today know as 'patchwork' designs.
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The main road through Laodicea with columns behind which had been a floor tiled and covered pedestrian walkway.
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A Christian cross uncovered in the excavations at Laodicea.
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Our animated tour guide Omer with members of our tour group in the Temple of Zeus, Laodicea.
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Footsteps Day 11 - Hierapolis and Smryna (Izmir) - June 11
Prior to retiring for the night after a very demanding but eventful day yesterday, most of our group tried the hot water spring pools at our hotel in Pamukkale to unwind.
Then early this morning we set out for the ruins of Hierapolis. In the same vicinity as Colossae and Laodicea, Hierapolis was a major city known for it's hot springs. Today there is a family oriented swimming pool complex, named Pools of Cleopatra, encompassing a number of warm pools some of which had column ruins in them. We then walked barefoot across the famous white limestone terraces to experience this historic and natural phenomena.
For our devotions under the shade of trees atop the limestone terraces, we considered John's message to the church at Laodicea, situated across in the valley beneath us. "You are neither hot not cold, but lukewarm" was a terrifying message because Laodicea relied on the hot water from Hierapolis and cold water from Colossae. Lukewarm water was, and still is today, of little use.
We were encouraged to repent of our own lukewarmness and self sufficiency for which the Laodiceans were known commercially and to give ourselves fully to God again.
Then after coming to Izmir we visited Polycarp's church. He was the first Bishop of Smryna (Izmir), an early church father, martyred for his faith.
The church has an amazing array of biblical story frescoes and while we sat in silent reflection for most of the time, the couple of songs we sang echoed in the beautiful acoustics in the church.
Yet again, the variety and significance of our day was appreciated and enjoyed by all.
A footnote - in case you are wondering, Yes we checked out a McDonald's for a cone, milkshake or sundae - the same the world over! -
Part of the massive ruins of Hierapolis
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Part of the throng of tourists enjoying the experience of the limestone terraces, Hierapolis
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The magnificent ceiling of the church at Izmir in honor of Polycarp, first Bishop of Smryna
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Footsteps Day 12 - Ephesus - June 12
If we had been amazed by visits to previous sites in Greece and Turkey, and we have been, then at ancient Ephesus we have been doubly amazed!
Judging by the amount of walking, estimated to be up to three kms, the site is massive. If you have walked from one end of a theme park to the other you would have a good idea of the size. The difference is that along each side of the incredibly preserved ancient city road (marble and stone), and on the adjacent hillsides are ruins of bath, shops, temples, fountains, theaters, toilets, agora market place and library to name a few. Picturing Paul and John living and preaching in this environment was awe-inspiring
Most have some part of the walls, arches, steps, columns, seats, adornments, statues, floors etc in tact. Some like the library and theatre have whole sections still in a remarkable state. We understand that only about 20% has so far been excavated!
On the platform of the huge amphitheater our group sang two songs to the appreciation and applause of other groups. Our devotional time was in the ruins of the double chapel of Mary, where we reflected on the message in Rev 2:1-7. It was a special time in song and contemplation of the message of departing from our first love. Despite all the commendable aspects of the Ephesians living out their faith, the implication was that it was 'lifeless'", or mechanical. As Army officers it was a timely challenge.
Later we also visited the church of St.John ruins just beneath the imposing castle of the Crusaders.
Two special and enjoyable side trips were made to a ceramics factory and then a Turkish rug school and factory.
Our trip through Turkey and the seven churches in Revelation has been eye-opening as we link this with Paul's visits and the respective letters of encouragement and rebuke. -
Some or our group on the city road in ancient Ephesus
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One of the many amazing floor mosaics excavated in ancient Ephesus
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The imposing edifice of the Library of Ephesus which housed about 20,000 ancient items
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Graeme and Karen Ross in a moment of discovery where the road passes the library and enters the marketplace, Ephesus
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The ruins of the church of St. John beneath the castle of the Crusaders.
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Miriam Gluyas tried her hand at ceramics with surprising results, despite an earlier 'limpy' glitch when we visited the ceramics factory.
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Our guide explaining the intricacies of the various weaves and yarns that differentiate rugs at our visit to the Turkish rug school and factory.
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Sunset over the Agean Sea from the restaurant pool terrace of our Kusadesi hotel.
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Footsteps Day 13 - Kusadesi to Patmos - June 13
At our final hotel dinne in Kusadesi, our driver, Yusuf and guide, Omer were thanked and presented with a small gift from the group.
Our group was thrilled to hear that after receiving a gift of a bible and a sharing of the gospel message by one of our group, our guide claimed Jesus as his friend. His commitment was to read the scriptures to learn more about Jesus. Hallelujah!
Early next morning we said happy birthday to Karen Ross before making our way to the dock and boarding our ferry to Patmos. Our little ferry was dwarfed by the four huge cruise liners just arrived with thousands of day tourists for Ephesus.
The four hour crossing from Turkey to Greece across the sparkling blue Agean Sea was relaxing but we made time to celebrate Karen's birthday with poppers and singing. During the crossing we were thrilled to have a pod of jumping and frolicking dolphins for a short while.
After checking into our hotel at the port of Skala, Patmos we spent the rest of the day snacking, shopping, swimming or catching up on some sleep.
It also allowed many of us to spend time in reflection and relaxed discussion with our fellow travelers in the joys and highlights of our trip.
Our final day tomorrow will be spent at the monastery of St. John and the cave of the Apolalypse prior to boarding the overnight ferry to Athens. -
Yusuf our driver and Omer our guide enjoying our last meal together.
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From the rear of our ferry as we left Kusadasi in the shadow of the cruise liners
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Celebrating Karen Ross's birthday on the ferry from Kusadesi, Turkey to Patmos, Greece.
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The idyllic harbor at Patmos
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Footsteps Day 14 - Patmos - June 14
This morning we visited the Cave of the Apocalypse (revelation) and the Monastery of St. John, high on the hill above Skala and the harbor.
Our guide Margarita made the story of John's life come alive as we went first to the cave and then the Monestary.
In the cave we saw where tradition has it that John came often during his island exile to pray and ultimately receive God's word.
We saw and some touched the places in the rocky cave where it is believed he knelt to pray, rest and his disciple wrote down the John's vision.
We saw the spilt in the rock which signaled to John God's holy and awesome presence. The cave is now part of a chapel where worship still occurs.
Outside and just above the cave and overlooking the island of Patmos and the sea, we sat in the amphitheater for devotions.
We were reminded of the theme in each letter to the churches that "to him who overcomes it will.... ".
After a time of reflection on each of the challenges to the seven Churches we sang and prayed. It was for many a moving and significant experience.
We then toured the Monastery which came in the 11th century as a memorial to John. It's part as a fortress of safety and security was obvious. It also provided many memorable photo opportunities.
Before we left the hotel we had our final meeting together, then shared a great evening meal in a local restaurant.
Boarding the overnight ferry we made off for Athens and our various morning departures.
So many highlights, so much to absorb, so much fun and great fellowship.
We gratefully recognize how blessed we have been. -
A mosaic of John conveying his vision so that his disciple could record it in the cave on Patmos.
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The cave believed to be where John received his vision, now a small worship chapel.
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A view of magnificent Skala and harbour from near St. John's Monestary.
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Lyn and Colin Daines in front of the seven bells at the summit of St. John's Monestary
Major Colin Daines is in his 30th year of officership having served in Corps, Divisional, and Territorial appointments. He has served in all three states in AUE as well as Papua New Guinea. He is married to Lyn and they have two daughters and a son, all married with five delightful grandchildren. He is a cricket tragic, a try-hard golfer and a Sea Eagles NRL supporter. He is currently appointed as mySalvos Co-ordinator.
Comments
ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ ΠΟΛΥ This is thank you very much your kindness your love and for been close to us in our journey to Greece. Thank you for your prayers and the words of encouragment. Thank you for your gifts. Looking forward to sharing the day in Corinth with you. Polis
What a stunning group!
Hey Col, I'm enjoying reading your updates. It sounds amazing, glad you're having a great time.
Hey thanks, Hev. We are having an amazing time, great group, lots of laughs and breathtaking scenery. Also special moments of spiritual reflection and prayer. Of course heaps of photos.
Amazed by the fact that Paul goes to Thessaloniki for 3 weeks and plants the church. Loved the fact that Polis and Maria go to Greece and plant The Salvation Army. Same God! Where are the planters today? We need you! Makes me want to plant again. Exciting and urgent days
Wonderful reading! Thank you for the updates. Can you please include more photos of Gwenda Pratt?! :-) ... Hope you all continue to have a fantastic time.
Sounds like you are having the most wonderful time, so awe-inspiring and inspirational. Enjoy reading your updates.
Great to see photos of your travels. More photos of Graeme and Karan Ross , thanks! Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KARAN on 13 June from Mum Ross, Cheryl and Barbara.xxx
Col, great photos! Love the blog too. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels.
Safe journey back my friends. It was lovely meeting you. Greece is waiting for you for a second journey. You have some friends here.
Blessings
Polis Maria
Thanks Colin for sharing your experience.