_(cropped)[1]-small.jpg "Hagia Irene - Pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece")
Pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece
April 11-27, 2023
In Search of Paul, an Aegean Odyssey
The Rev. Dr. Don Carlson, and The Rev. Travis Meier, Co-Hosts
a LEAD Pauline study pilgrimage for rostered leaders and inquiring disciples
This trip is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is serious about studying scripture and growing their understanding of the first-century Christian movement. Registration closes November 5, 2022. Preparation is required.
Contemporary scholars often describe four “Pauls”:
- The Paul of the autograph letters: Philemon, 1 Thessalonians, Philippians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans.
- The “Paul” of the pastorals: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.
- The “Paul” of Ephesians, Colossians, and 2 Thessalonians.
- The “traditional Paul” of Acts.
Lutherans and other churches of the Reformation may also have a “fifth Paul”: the “Paul” of the 16th century.
How did Paul understand justice, righteousness, salvation, faith, law, and gospel as he wrote to diverse urban people living in a society dominated by patronage and Roman Imperial Theology? What does his 1st century gospel mean in a 21st century context?
These are some of the questions we will explore as we travel through the world of the early church focusing on Paul’s autograph letters.
Friends in Christ,
Below picture was taken during our first trip in 2014. We had just finished the Greece portion of our “search for Paul” and were leaving the port of Skala on Patmos, heading for Kusadasi in Turkey. A week of new sites, insights, and fellowship still lay ahead of us.
It has been a privilege to continue to co-host these trips, getting to know many wonderful fellow travelers. We continue to be blessed with our guides, Voula and Cenk, who know what we are “up to” and plan accordingly.
Responses from participants of the previous eight trips have enabled us to continually refine the program. And, in western Turkey and eastern Greece, our people have always felt very welcome and secure.
I hope that you will consider being a part of this educational and spiritual journey. If you have questions, please email me at donmcarlson@gmail.com.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Don Carlson
April 11 Tue
Fly out of Houston or other Turkish Airlines hub; direct flight to Istanbul. Tutku Tours can arrange departures by other carriers. This often does not effect trip cost.
April 12 Wed
Arrive in Istanbul, meet our guide for Turkey, Cenk Eronat, and travel to our hotel. Dinner together in the hotel dining room overlooking the “old city” of Istanbul.
April 13 Thu
We start at Istanbul where we glimpse the “imperial church” of the early 4th century under Constantine. We visit the hippodrome, archeological museums, Hagia Sophia, Hagia Irene, and the Topkapi Palace.
April 14 Fri Orthodox Good Friday
We depart early for the Greek border, meet our guide for Greece, Voula Kalapoda, and then travel to Philippi. We visit the traditional river site where Paul met Lydia and see the magnificent baptistery built there. At the river we discuss Paul’s letter to Philemon and its patronage subtext. 1st century city life then emerges in the ruins of ancient Philippi. Overnight in Kavala, modern Neapolis; experiencing the Orthodox Epitaphos before turning in.
April 15 Sat
We get another glimpse of the Via Egnatia that Paul walked from Neapolis to Philippi, then on to Thessloniki where we see the Roman forum, the arch and mausoleum of Galerius, and the archeological museum. We stop at the tomb of Phillip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, to appreciate the roots of imperial theology. Overnight at Kalambaka/Meteora; at midnight, the church square will fill with people, candles, and pealing bells as the resurrection is announced.
April 16 Sun Orthodox Easter
Visit Varlaam Monastery, built 1541, high atop the rocks of Meteora; reflecting upon the medieval theological worldview of its art. After visiting Varlaam Monastery, we have a traditional Easter meal; discussing Galations in the afternoon.
April 17 Mon
We stop at a studio where icons are hand painted and can be purchased, then go Delphi to explore the cult of Apollo. After visiting the archeological museum, we overnight in Delphi; taking a look at Philippians after dinner.
April 18 Tue
In Athens, we visit the Areopagus where Paul delivered his sermon about “an unknown God” and then climb the acropolis to see the temples of Athena, Nike, Poseidon, and Augustus. There will then be free time to visit the new archeological museum or to have a leisurely meal “al fresco”.
April 19 Wed
We visit the site of ancient Corinth with its excellent ruins and museum. While on the grounds, seated in view of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient meat market (1 Cor. 8), we discuss 1st Corinthians. After lunch we head for the port of Athens, say “Goodbye” to Voula Kalapoda, and board our 7:00 PM ferry to Patmos. Good dining aboard and cabins with clean linens and bath. Arrive in Patmos about 3:00 AM, walk a short distance to our hotel, and go back to bed!
April 20 Thu
Still in Greece, we will visit the traditional “Cave of St. John”, reflect upon the imperial context of Revelation, and then visit the Monastery of St. John. Lunch will be by the seaport and then we take a 4-hour boat ride to the Turkish port of Kusadasi – discussing Romans on the way. At Kusadasi we meet up again with Cenk Eronat and go to our hotel.
April 21 Fri
The ancient city of Ephesus gives the most impressive glimpse of 1st century urban life. The Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world) Temple of Hadrian, Temple of Domitian, and the “terrace houses” are but a few of the restorations. After a “1st century lunch” we will visit a local “cottage industry” store to see how Turkish carpets are made; and an opportunity to purchase carpets!
April 22 Sat
Leaving Kusadasi, we will see the magnificent Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Asian counterpart to Delphi – complete with oracle. Then on to Aphrodisias with the Temple of Aphrodite, the Sebasteion (the best eample of Roman imperial theology), monumental gateway, stadium, and museum—where “the god fearers” are mentioned. Overnight at a relaxing thermal spa hotel at Pamukkale.
April 23 Sun
At Hierapolis we see the tomb of Philip the Apostle and the thermal springs, then journey to Laodicea with its many newly excavated and restored ruins; including a magnificent 4th century church. After a brief stop at Sardis and its restored gymnasium and synagogue, we will arrive at Izmir (ancient Smyrna) and have dinner on the waterfront.
April 24 Mon
We head for the acropolis of Pergamum with its great theater and temples to Athena, Zeus, and Trajan; then visit the Asclepion, a center of healing where the great physician Galen practiced. Overnight at the picturesque seaport of Assos and look at 1st Thessalonians.
April 25 Tue
After climbing the acropolis of Assos – Turkish coffee on the climb – that has a temple to Athena dating from 530 BCE, we head north to Alexander-Troas (Acts 20). Then on to Troy; founded 3000-2600 BCE. We overnight in Canakkale,
April 26 Wed
We cross the Dardanelles by car ferry and drive through the area where the Battle of Gallipoli was fought in WWI. Arriving back in Istanbul, we visit the Spice Market before going to the hotel to enjoy our farewell dinner.
April 27 Thu
After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we leave for the airport for our fights; chasing the sun back to our home destinations. Welcome home!
NOTE: There may be unforeseen adjustments to the itinerary.
Including
- Roundtrip airfare between any Turkish airline hub in the United States and Istanbul
- 9 nights at 3-4 star hotels in Turkey
- 5 nights at 3 star hotels in Greece
- 1 night on overnight ferry from Athens to Patmos
- Daily breakfast and 15 dinners
- Transportation by private bus with A/C
- English-speaking, Bible-oriented, professional tour guides throughout the pilgrimage
- All entry fees to sites and museums
- All tips for hotels and restaurant staff
- All tips to tour guides and drivers
- All service charges and local taxes
Excluding
- Turkish Visa fee ($50 per US citizen, obtained electronically before departure from USA)
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal discretionary expenses, shopping
