THESSALONIKI

We traveled by coach to Kavala and made our way to the baptismal site where Lydia, a rich woman, was baptized by

Paul. It was the first baptism he performed. There was a memorial actually set on what you might call an island with the creek/river running down both sides of it. To get to the site, you cross a small footbridge. There was an amphitheater where we are were seated while Father Zach celebrated Mass for us. It was a very special time learning the history of centuries ago and worshipping at the same time. We were able to go inside the new chapel dedicated to Lydia which is also on the site.

We then traveled on to the ancient city of Philippi where Saint Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians and started to preach the word of God to the nations. We walked all around the ruins which were quite treacherous, with cobblestone roads and slick marble making up most of the pathways. There was a stadium, which we are finding is pretty standard among all the ruins we saw. They had many spectator sports and the stadium’s a good way for people to be able 

to view these spectacles. They had underground rooms where animals were kept for the games and we also saw a chamber where Paul was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. It was quite a large city with a Roman forum in the center. Interestingly, there were ruts in the marble parthways which our guide said were made by chariots! It is hard to believe when you see the columns, stadium and the remains of church foundations that this was all built thousands of years ago. . . Not hundreds.

Till next time. . .

Dale