Fr. Joe — Greece Pilgrimage

Today your pilgrimage begins as you depart from your local airport for your overnight flight to Greece.

Gather with your fellow pilgrims and spiritual director as you prepare for a journey through the land where St. Paul established some of the first Christian communities in Europe. During your flight, enjoy the airline's meal service and spend time reflecting on the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the growth of the early Church.

Overnight aboard your flight.

Welcome to Greece.

Upon arrival in Athens, connect to your domestic flight to Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city and one of the most important centers of early Christianity.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver before transferring to your hotel.

After time to rest, enjoy an orientation tour introducing the rich history of Thessaloniki, a city closely connected to St. Paul and the recipients of his First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians.

Celebrate your Welcome Mass and entrust your pilgrimage intentions to the Lord.

This evening enjoy a traditional Greek dinner while becoming acquainted with your fellow pilgrims.

After breakfast depart for Philippi, one of the most important biblical sites in Greece and the first European city evangelized by St. Paul.

Here St. Paul preached the Gospel, established a Christian community, and baptized Lydia, the first recorded Christian convert in Europe.

Visit the Baptistry of Lydia and reflect upon the spread of Christianity throughout the continent. Explore the ruins of ancient Philippi including the Roman Forum, the Prison of St. Paul, the Basilica ruins, and the ancient theater.

Celebrate Holy Mass before continuing to Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where St. Paul first stepped onto European soil.

Walk along the harbor and admire the beautiful waterfront while learning about St. Paul's arrival and missionary journey.

Return to Thessaloniki.

Dinner and evening at leisure.

Following breakfast begin a full-day exploration of Thessaloniki.

Visit the Church of St. Demetrius, dedicated to the city's beloved patron saint and one of the most important churches in Greece.

Continue to Aristotle Square, the White Tower, and the historic Upper Town, offering breathtaking views over the city and the Thermaic Gulf.

Learn about Thessaloniki's role in early Christianity and its importance as one of the principal cities visited by St. Paul.

Celebrate Holy Mass before enjoying a relaxing cruise along the waterfront.

As you sail through the harbor, enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline and, weather permitting, distant views of Mount Olympus, the legendary home of the ancient Greek gods.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for shopping, personal prayer, or independent exploration.

After breakfast depart Thessaloniki and travel to Veria, ancient Berea.

According to the Acts of the Apostles, the Bereans eagerly received St. Paul's message and searched the Scriptures daily to verify his teachings.

Visit the Bema of St. Paul, where the Apostle is believed to have preached, and celebrate Holy Mass.

Continue to Meteora, one of the most extraordinary religious sites in the world.

Towering rock formations rise dramatically above the Thessalian plain, crowned by centuries-old monasteries built by monks seeking solitude and prayer.

Visit two of the famous monasteries and learn about the monastic traditions that continue to flourish here.

Admire priceless icons, manuscripts, chapels, and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Dinner and evening in Kalambaka.

This morning depart Kalambaka and travel south through central Greece.

Arrive in Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world.

Visit the archaeological site including the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Temple of Athena Pronaia, and the ancient Sacred Way.

Explore the Delphi Museum and admire its remarkable collection of artifacts, including the famous Charioteer of Delphi.

While reflecting on the ancient search for wisdom and truth, pilgrims gain a deeper appreciation for the Gospel message later proclaimed throughout the Greek world.

Continue to Athens.

Celebrate Holy Mass and enjoy dinner upon arrival.

Following breakfast begin a full-day tour of Athens, one of the most influential cities in world history.

Visit the Acropolis and admire the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea, monuments that have stood for centuries overlooking the city.

Continue to Mars Hill, also known as the Areopagus, where St. Paul delivered his famous sermon proclaiming the "Unknown God" to the Athenians.

Read and reflect upon Acts 17 while standing in the very place where Christianity confronted the philosophical world of ancient Greece.

Celebrate Holy Mass at St. Dionysius Catholic Cathedral, subject to availability.

The afternoon is free for personal exploration, shopping, or prayer.

After breakfast travel along the scenic coastal highway toward Corinth.

Visit the Corinth Canal before arriving at Ancient Corinth, one of the most important cities visited by St. Paul.

Explore the archaeological site including the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Agora, and the Bema, where St. Paul stood before Gallio as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

Visit the Archaeological Museum and gain insight into daily life during the time of the Apostle.

Celebrate Holy Mass before continuing to Cenchreae, the ancient port from which St. Paul departed for Ephesus.

Spend time reflecting on the missionary journeys that helped spread Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world.

Return to Athens.

Following breakfast depart for a full-day excursion to Aegina Island in the beautiful Saronic Gulf.

Upon arrival, travel to the Monastery of St. Nektarios, one of the most beloved pilgrimage destinations in Greece.

Visit the tomb and relics of St. Nektarios and learn about the life of this modern saint known for countless miracles and healings.

Celebrate Holy Mass at the monastery and enjoy time for prayer and reflection.

Following lunch by the sea, enjoy free time to stroll through the harbor, visit local shops, and experience the relaxed atmosphere of island life.

Return to Athens in the late afternoon.

This evening gather for a farewell dinner celebrating the completion of your pilgrimage and the blessings received while following in the footsteps of St. Paul.

After breakfast transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight home.

As your pilgrimage comes to an end, reflect on the sacred places visited throughout Greece: Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Meteora, Delphi, Athens, Corinth, Cenchreae, and Aegina.

May the example of St. Paul, the witness of the early Christians, and the faith experienced throughout this journey continue to inspire and strengthen you for years to come.

Return home renewed in faith and enriched by the spiritual treasures of Greece, the land where Christianity first entered Europe.