Fertile Plains and Mountain Monasteries: From Thessaloniki to Berea to Meteora


Day two of our Missionary Journeys of Paul tour carried us from the coastal energy of Thessaloniki into the fertile plains of Macedonia and up into the breathtaking heights of Meteora. It was a day filled with scripture reflections, spectacular scenery, and sacred moments.

A Morning on the Move

After a sumptuous breakfast, we loaded the bus and departed the Holiday Inn at 8:00 a.m., ready for the journey ahead. Our co-host, Bill Shiell, once again led us in singing “This Is the Day,” setting a joyful tone for the morning.

Pastor Allan Holder followed with a devotional drawn from Psalms 37 and 46, reminding us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) and to “Trust in the Lord and do good.” (Psalm 37:3)

These words set a steady spiritual rhythm for the day, guiding us as we traveled through both open plains and winding mountain roads.

Among the Noble Bereans

Our first major stop was Berea, which is modern-day Veria. After a brief coffee and rest stop, we made our way to St. Paul’s Tribune, where a beautiful mosaic depicts Paul the Apostle teaching.

Following an insightful orientation from our guide, Emily, I led us in reflecting on Luke’s description in the Acts of the Apostles: “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians…” (Acts 17:11)

What made them “noble”?

  • Receptive hearts
  • Discerning minds
  • Healthy skepticism
  • Willing spirits

They listened eagerly, but they also examined the Scriptures daily to test what they heard. In a world of noise and competing voices, their example still speaks.

A Table in the Valley

From Berea, we journeyed to Kalambaka, where we enjoyed a delicious mixed plate Greek lunch. Conversation filled the dining room as friendships continued to grow. Meals like these remind us that travel also nourishes the soul through shared experience.

Climbing Toward the Heavens

After lunch, we ascended into the mountains to Meteora, a sacred place where earth and sky seem to meet. Perched atop towering rock pillars are six historic Orthodox monasteries, built as places of prayer, refuge, and devotion.


We visited the Varlaam Monastery, climbing 142 steps from the parking area to reach the summit. The effort was well worth it. The views were breathtaking. The silence was hallowed.

Inside the monastery church, Emily explained the meaning behind the mosaics and icons, which serve as windows into the spiritual imagination of Eastern Christianity. She felt it important to explain that the mosaics are meant to be more than artistry. They are meant to convey the gospel story for those who had not the opportunity to learn to read words.

The ancient philosopher Aristotle once wrote, “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”  At Meteora, the marvelous is undeniable.

Moments to Remember

On our descent, we paused at the famous “proposal rock,’ a popular scenic overlook, for photos. From there, we visited an iconography workshop, where we learned how traditional icons are prayerfully created. Many in our group selected meaningful keepsakes such as icons, books, postcards, and magnets to remember the day.


A short drive later, we arrived at the Amalia Hotel, where we checked in and prepared for a restful evening.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we will journey to Delphi to explore the archaeological site and the famed oracle. With snow in the forecast, we’ve been encouraged to bundle up and prepare for a colder day in the mountains.

As Saint Augustine once wrote, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Today, we turned another page—one filled with fertile plains, noble faith, and mountain monasteries.

And the story continues.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Here We Go Again! Traveling the Footsteps of Paul in Ancient Greece

Image
There is something both exciting and humbling about returning to the lands where the early Christian story unfolded. On March 16–28 , a wonderful group of travelers will set out together for an educational and inspirational journey through Greece as we follow the footsteps of Paul the Apostle . Our group comes from a variety of places— Atlanta, Chicago, Gadsden, Pensacola, and Wichita —but we share a common desire: to walk the landscapes where the gospel first crossed into Europe and to deepen our understanding of the biblical story. This adventure will be co-hosted by Barry Howard and Bill Shiell , and our itinerary promises a remarkable blend of history, Scripture, culture, and spiritual reflection . As with every pilgrimage, we expect meaningful learning experiences—and probably a few surprises along the way. Where Our Journey Begins Our journey begins in Thessaloniki , a vibrant port city that was already thriving in the first century. Paul preached here during his second missionar...
Read more

Spas, Lighthouses, Feral Cats, and Another Change in Our Itinerary: Enjoying Our First Full Day in Mykonos, But Not Our Last

Image
(Our group photo at the historic lighthouse.) We did not choose a motto for this trip, but I think a motto chose us: Have fun and be flexible! If this journey has taught us anything, it is this: a fun and flexible disposition helps you navigate the detours of life. Today began at a more merciful pace. With breakfast scheduled for 8:00 a.m., many in our group welcomed the rare gift of sleeping in. After several early mornings, it felt like a small Sabbath for the soul. Coffee lingered a little longer, conversations stretched a little deeper, and no one seemed in a hurry. By 10:30, we gathered in the lobby to meet Emily for a three-hour bus tour of Mykonos. Not everyone joined the excursion, however. Some had already scheduled spa treatments at the Semeli Hotel—their time for rest, renewal, and relaxation. Others chose to stay behind and wander the village at their own pace, discovering hidden corners and quiet moments and the only Starbucks on the island. For those of us on the to...
Read more

Snow-capped Mountains, Rockslides, Oracles, and Bus Repairs: Rejoicing from Kalambaka to Delphi

Image
Day three of our Missionary Journeys of Paul tour reminded us that travel is rarely predictable. but often unforgettable. From snow-capped mountains to ancient ruins and a few unexpected delays, the journey from Kalambaka to Delphi gave us stories we will be telling for years to come. Today, the journey itself was the lesson. A Crisp Mountain Morning When we arose this morning, the air was cooler, and the mountains just beyond our hotel were beautifully capped with snow, a breathtaking reminder of the majesty of creation. Before boarding the bus, we enjoyed another hearty breakfast, this time sharing the dining area with a lively group of high school students from Sweden and Italy, all on their own spring adventures. Prayer, Perspective, and the Road Ahead As we made our way toward Mount Parnassus, Bill Shiell led us in a meaningful time of prayer, inviting travelers to voice concerns for loved ones back home. It was a sacred moment with names spoken and needs shared. Foll...
Read more