Greece & Turkey
Walk in the Footsteps of Saint Paul.
A Pilgrimage of Faith, Mission, and Transformation.
Pilgrimage Overview
This inspiring pilgrimage follows the footsteps of St. John the Apostle and St. Paul, tracing the early spread of Christianity through Turkey, the Greek Islands, Greece, and Istanbul. Along this journey, pilgrims encounter many of the places where the Gospel first took root and where the Apostles preached, taught, and strengthened the early Christian communities.
The pilgrimage begins in the region of Ephesus, one of the most important centers of the early Church. Here pilgrims visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where tradition holds that Mary spent her final years under the care of St. John, as well as the great ruins of Ephesus where St. Paul once preached.
Crossing the Aegean Sea, the journey continues to the island of Patmos, where St. John received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. In Greece, pilgrims follow the missionary path of St. Paul, visiting Corinth, Athens, Philippi, and Thessaloniki, places closely connected to his preaching and the growth of the early Church in Europe.
The pilgrimage concludes in Istanbul, historically known as Constantinople, a city that for centuries served as one of the most important centers of Christianity in the world.
Throughout the journey, pilgrims deepen their faith through Scripture reflections, prayer, and the celebration of Mass, walking in the very places where the foundations of the Christian Church were first established.
Spiritual Highlights
Walking the marble streets of Ephesus, where St. Paul preached
Celebrating Mass at the House of the Virgin Mary
Visiting the Cave of the Apocalypse on the sacred island of Patmos
Standing on Mars Hill in Athens, where St. Paul proclaimed Christ
Exploring the ruins of Ancient Corinth and Philippi
Visiting the spectacular monasteries of Meteora
Discovering the Christian heritage of Constantinople (Istanbul)
Praying at sites where the New Testament history unfolded
Quick Facts
April - June, September - October
Moderate
11-13 Days
On the missionary witness of St. Paul.
Key Holy Sites
Ephesus – City of St. Paul and St. John
One of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and a major center of early Christianity. St. Paul lived and preached here for several years, and St. John later ministered to the Christian community of the region.
House of the Virgin Mary
A sacred shrine believed to be the final residence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pilgrims gather here for prayer and often celebrate Mass in the peaceful hillside setting.
Basilica of St. John
Built over the traditional burial site of St. John the Apostle, the beloved disciple and author of the Gospel and Book of Revelation.
Patmos – The Island of Revelation
The island where St. John received the visions that became the Book of Revelation.
Cave of the Apocalypse
The sacred cave where St. John is believed to have heard the voice of God dictating the prophetic visions.
Monastery of St. John the Theologian
A majestic monastery overlooking the island and housing priceless icons and manuscripts.
Athens – Mars Hill (Areopagus)
The site where St. Paul boldly proclaimed the Gospel to the philosophers of Athens.
Ancient Corinth
Where St. Paul lived and preached for nearly two years and wrote his letters to the Corinthians.
Philippi & St. Lydia’s Baptistery
The location of the first Christian baptism in Europe and the beginning of the Church’s expansion into the continent.
Istanbul – Constantinople
The historic capital of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most important Christian cities in history.
Hagia Sophia
For nearly a thousand years the largest cathedral in the Christian world and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Sample Pilgrimage Programs
Turkey – Greek Islands – Greece – Istanbul
A powerful pilgrimage through the lands of the early Church, following in the footsteps of St. John the Apostle and St. Paul the Apostle. Journey across key biblical sites where the Gospel was first preached, the early Christian communities were formed, and the message of Christ spread to the nations. With daily Holy Mass and time for prayer, this pilgrimage offers a profound encounter with the roots of our faith and the missionary spirit of the Apostles.
