Philippi - Kavala

We began our day at the stream where historians believe that Lydia met Paul and was baptized in this stream. People had built a memorial to her and they also built a small baptistery in the stream. Wouldn't it be so cool to be baptized in that stream?! After putting our feet in the water (it had to be done), we toured to basilica beside the stream that the Greek Orthodox built in honor of Lydia. The inside of the basilica was absolutely beautiful. The paintings of Paul's life were so detailed. The basilica was very small and mainly used for infant baptisms.

Baptistery

Next, we went down the road to Ancient Philippi. Yes, the Philippi from the bible! The city was recently discovered and is still being excavated. There were two basilicas discovered in this ancient city. So, wait. After Paul came through and tried to tell this city of Jesus and they placed him in jail, they later became predominantly Christian. That is amazing. It was crazy to think that Paul was in jail in this city and I was walking and touching what could have been the same building! Is this even real?? All of my life I have studied the bible and heard of all the work Paul did in spreading Christianity and now I am actually walking and seeing the place where it all happened. Each day we travel to places mentioned in the bible and I continue to become awe struck every single day. 

Acropolis of Philippi

Baptistery

Remains of the earliest basilica in European history

Ancient Theater

Remains of a different basilica in Philippi

  

We then traveled to Kavala, ancient day Neapolis, to have lunch by the port. It was absolutely beautiful. It looked like a post card. I could not stop taking pictures. Then, we drove back to Thessaloniki for another night in our hotel.