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Reflections from the back of the bus - Wednesday
25th June, 2009 - Posted by Ursula Stephens -
We wake to cloudy skies and make our way to the bus for this morning’s visit to the Church of St Demetrios’ Church. Like most of the churches of its day, the site has been occupied, shaped and adapted through the ages, and so there are different styles of architecture - Roman, byzantine, Islamic, Christian and Coptic evident, beautiful mosaics and frescoes abound as well as prescious icons.
It is the Feast of St John the Baptist and we arrive at the church during the reading of the gospel.
We are allowed to visit the crypt which as been restored. It is a labrynth of rooms that provide evidence of baths, porticos and commercial activity from Roman times. Bob and John discuss the finer points of the restoration and how the ideas could be adapted for the Cathedral crypt in Goulburn.
As we emerge from the crypt there is an ominous clap of thunder and there’s a heavy shower of rain.Only Richard and Neil have come prepared, but undaunted we make our way towards the ruins of the Roman Agora where St Paul has preached the gospel. Looking down on the ruins we can imagine, with the help of Archbishop Mark , the activity in the square below.
The rain eases as we make our way back to the bus and head for the Arch of Galerius then up to the hills around Thessaloniki to the ancient walls that once protected the city. There we are able to follow in Paul’s footsteps, walking through the gate as he would have done, bringing God’s word to the Thessalonians.
Now we are continuing our journey along the Vea Egnatia, the ancient route that St Paul took to Amphipolis. Archbishop Mark reads Acts 17;1 and James gives us another comprehensive history lesson.
We pray the Angelus the Archbishop Mark explains the emphasis in St Paul’s letters on nurturing the community of Christ. We are called to lead a life worthy of God, and we are all on a journey to know and love God more and more.
I’m reminded of the words of that beautiful hymn: Jesus my Lord, my God, my all, how can I love you as I ought.”
The weather has closed in, heavy rain and some hail as we make our way down to the coast again towards Kavala, the ancient port of Neapolis. St Paul arrived here in the winter of 49AD and he and his companions headed straght to Phillipi where we will visit tomorrow.
At lunch we hear some sad news from home. George Poidevin a close friend from Goulburn has died suddenly. He was very interested in the pilgrimage and I’m sure would have been checking on our progress.
This afternoon our Mass intentions are for George and his famiy and friends.
We continue to pray for all your intentions too. God bless you all from Kavala where we’ve walked another 12500 steps in the footsteps of St Paul.
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