Footsteps of Paul- Thessaloniki

 

Thessaloniki and Harbor

The Medieval Wall in the city is over three kilometers

 and includes six towers in the city.

Basilica of St. Demetrius-

 the Patron Saint of the city of Thessaloniki.

In the fourth century, this city became the main residence

 of the Roman Emperor Galerius. Under his edict, Christians

 came under severe persecution. 

In A.D. 306 a roman officer named Demetrius 

was martyred for his Christian Faith.

This church has been rebuilt over 

and over with many additions.

This is a beautiful Church. 

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. 

It was founded in 315 B.C by King Cassander of Macedonia

 who named the city after his wife- Thessaloniki, 

the half-sister of Alexander the Great.

By the Roman period, the important metropolis 

was a hub of trade and commerce in the East.

Here is a restored part of a Roman road 

as we came into the city. 

 Looking down from a bridge above.

We know from Acts 17 that Paul was here 

and preached in the Jewish synagogue for three Sabbaths.

Philippians 4:16 tells us that Paul stayed here 

for an extended period working as a tent-maker 

in order to share the gospel with the gentiles.

The church here was very important to his missionary strategy

 and he sent Timothy to check on them under persecution.

1 Thess. 3:2-10

This White Tower is a waterfront monument and museum

 replaced a 12th century Byzantine fortification. 

Later on it became famous with mass executions 

during the Ottoman rule. 

In Turkish times it was called the Bloody Tower.

It is now the crest- or symbol of the city.

This ancient Agora was built 

between 42 B.C and AD 138.

 It is most likely the site where Paul 

preached to the Thessalonians.

In ancient Greek cities the Agora was an open space

that served as a meeting ground 

for various activities of the citizens.

This Ancient Agora was revealed during 

archaeological  excavations in 1966.

There are still active preservations at this site.