28 April 2026. We began the day in the cool stillness of an early morning, leaving the hotel at 7:00 am for our journey from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Istanbul, and onward to Izmir. There was a sense of transition, not just between destinations, but between chapters of our pilgrimage.
Our six days in Greece had come to an end. We said goodbye to Marianna, our gracious and passionate guide, and Alexander, our steady and kind driver.
They had been part of our journey in ways that went beyond logistics—they helped bring history, faith, and place to life. As we departed, we carried with us more than memories; we carried a deep gratitude for all we had seen and experienced in Athens, Corinth, Meteora, Vergina, Veria, Thessaloniki, and Philippi.
After six hours of travel, we arrived in Izmir, a vast and vibrant city—home to nearly 4.8 million people that carried the faint echoes of its ancient past. From there, we made our way to the Agora of Smyrna, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:8–11).
Walking among the ruins, we reflect on the enduring strength of faith that once filled this place.
Smyrna holds a profound spiritual legacy.
It was here that St. Polycarp, a disciple of John the Apostle and the city’s first bishop, lived and led the early Christian community. In 155 AD, he chose faithfulness over compromise, refusing to deny his beliefs or recognize Caesar as Lord. His martyrdom remains a powerful witness—tradition tells of his steadfastness in the face of death, and the ultimate sacrifice he made rather than abandon his faith.
As we walked through this ancient site, we were reminded that these were not just places on a map, but sacred spaces shaped by courage, conviction, and devotion. It is humbling to consider that the seeds of the church here may also have been influenced by St. Paul, as in nearby Ephesus, only 60 kilometers away.
Today was more than a day of travel—it was a crossing into another layer of history and faith, one that invites reflection, reverence, and a deeper appreciation of those who have gone before us.
In the evening we took to the road for a two hour coach ride to Kusadasi or its ancient name Ephesus.
Father Alex Chow.