Together We Can Make a Difference
Modern day Thessaloniki, Biblical Thessalonica
The White Tower, a defensive structure from the 15th century, overlooks the Aegean Sea.
Thessaloniki waterfront
Alexander the Great
Arch of Galerius was erected in 303AD to commemorate his victory over the Persians. The Rotonda in the background is believed to be a mausoleum for Galerius.
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Meteora is known for its unique rock structures and many monasteries. The monasteries were built on huge pinnacles of stone. The oldest monasteries date back to the 14th century. The monks traveled to the sites by climbing removable ladders. The monasteries are complete with living quarters, churches, cisterns, and libraries.
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Meteora Monastery
 
Meteora Monastery
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. . .let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1a
Delphi Stadium
Starting Blocks in Delphi Stadium
Starting our own race
Running the Race
As Christians we are called to not only throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles for the race, we are also encouraged to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3
Fortunately we are not in the race of life alone. Instead it’s more of a relay race as we pass our faith on to others.
Will the footsteps that you leave lead others to believe in Jesus Christ?
Delphi was considered the center of the world, the place where heaven and earth met. The Greeks believed that this was the place where man was closest to God. It is the home of the temple of Apollo, the son of Zeus, who was the god of prophecy, medicine, and archery. He embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. The path of the Sacred Way leads to the temple of Apollo which is in the center of Delphi. Along the way the path leads one past treasuries which were constructed as gifts of thanks for victories in battle.
Sacred Way
Treasury of the Athenians
Temple of Apollo
Temple of Apollo from above
Delphi Theater
Delphi Theater from above with the temple of Apollo in the background
Located at a major intersection of two Roman roads, Thessalonica’s location and its port made it a prominent city. Most of the ruins of Thessalonica are buried under the thriving city of Thessaloniki. But, what can be seen is the 1st century forum, a rectangular paved area.
Three sides of stoas (an ancient covered walkway) marked by double rows of columns provided access to the surrounding area.
1st century bathhouse
The odeum was an enclosed theater for public performances
The arches reveal where an enclosed shopping area existed.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14Â One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15Â When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (NIV) Acts 16:13-15
Traditional place of Lydia’s baptism at the Gangites River located about 1/2 miles from the city of Philippi
The acropolis was a fortified stronghold that overlooked the city and surrounding valley.
The theater at Philippi was probably built by king Philip II sometime around the middle of the 4th century B.C. Large-scale rearrangements and additions were added in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D.
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