Cheely Chaplain at Neapolis/Philippi

Monday, 30 May 2022
The pilgrims spent the day exploring Kavala (ancient Neapolis). We started at St Nicholas Church with the striking monument telling the story of St Paul’s calling to Macedonia and his sea journey to Neapolis.


Afterwards we visited the castle and the aqueduct.

Tuesday, 31 May 2022
Today we visited ancient Philippi where apostle Paul and Silas were beaten with rods  and imprisoned by the  magistrates of the Roman colony. We inspected the so-called prison and Curia where the magistrates  held court  at one end of the forum. The  site is extensive and in excellent condition and includes  an impressive theatre together with the remains of three basilicas,  bishops residence and octagon church.

On leaving the ruined city we travelled the mile or so up the road to Saint Lydia’s baptistery where Paul had baptised Lydia – the first person in Europe to be baptised.


We  five pilgrims joined together in a short service where we reaffirmed our  baptismal vows  and sprinkled each other with the water from the river –  A moving and spiritual experience for us all.

Wednesday, 1 June 2022
Our last full day in Kavala.  The five pilgrims spent the morning walking the section of the Via Egnatia from the port of Neapolis towards Philippi as did Paul and Silas. We  started at the junction of Macedonias Street and Egnatias  Street  and were soon climbing the well preserved and maintained Roman road  which ends about 1 km further on near the  Kavala General Hospital.  We certainly felt that we were walking in the footsteps of Saint Paul.

The afternoon was spent swimming at the Paralia Kalamitsa beach – most refreshing.

 

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