.svg)
Language
The St Paul in Greece programme will offer the participants an overview of the life and work of the apostle, with specific readings associated with the places we shall visit. For example, on the day we visit Philippi, the presentation will be on the letter to the Philippians, in the context of Paul’s ministry as a whole. The presentations will focus on Paul’s story, his key theological insights and, above all, his spirituality. Throughout, we will pay attention to the world behind the text (Ancient Greece), the world of the text (the particular letter or passage) and the world in front of the text (us today as readers).
Spiritual Enrichment:
Saint Paul
Saint Paul is one of the most important and influential of all the saints. Many of his writings are contained in the Canon of the Bible and have influenced the growth and development of the Church since the first century.
St. Paul was originally known as Saul, and he was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee. He even presided over the persecutions of the early Christians and was present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen.
However, Saul experienced a powerful vision that caused him to convert to Christianity while on the road to Damascus. He was duly baptized and took the name Paul.
Paul traveled the world, first to Arabia then back to Damascus. He also visited Jerusalem to see St. Peter, the first pope and pay homage to him. During these travels, he preached ceaselessly, often drawing criticism and ire from those who rebuffed his message. Jews, in particular, hated his preaching as they saw him convert people to Christianity from Judaism.
Eventually, Paul returned to Tarsus, where he was born. He preached there until he was called by Barnabus to come to Antioch. After a year spent in Antioch, a famine occurred in Jerusalem and the pair was dispatched to the city with alms.
The accomplished this mission, and returned to Antioch.
Paul and Barnabas then went forth on a mission to Cypress and throughout Asia Minor. They established several churches in their travels. After establishing his churches, Paul remained in communication with the faithful, often writing letters to answer questions and resolve disputes.
The letters that have survived have become part of the Bible. It is believed that Paul wrote other letters, which were lost even before the Bible was established by the Church. Paul’s writings are important because they provide good advice for how Christians should live.
Paul traveled throughout much of Europe, particularly in Macedonia, Greece, and Italy. While preparing for a missionary trip to Spain, he was imprisoned in Caesarea by the Jews for two years. He traveled again, was shipwrecked in Malta, and was imprisoned for another two years for preaching in Rome. Despite these imprisonments, Paul continued to preach.
Paul eventually made his way to Spain, then returned to the East, and finally returned to Rome once again. In 67 AD, Paul was arrested in Rome for a second time and this time he was beheaded under the insane Emperor Nero. According to John Chrysostom, Nero knew Paul personally.
Paul is among the most famous, intelligent and influential of the apostles. There are some who argue that he was the leader of the apostles, but this is not supported by the evidence. Instead, he likely preached at the request of St. Peter, who was pope.
St. Paul is the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers, journalists, authors, public workers, rope and saddle makers, and tent makers. His feast day is on June 29 when he is honoured with Saint Peter, although he is also honoured on other days throughout the year, January 25, for his conversion, February 16, for his shipwreck, and Nov. 18 for the dedication of his Basilica.
12 Days / 13 Nights
From €5,200 per person for a Single Room
From €4,100 per person sharing a Twin Room
13 nights in 4* & 5* hotels:
Thessaloniki (3 Nights) - Hotel Grand Hotel Palace, 5*
Kalambaka (1 Night) - Hotel Divani Meteora, 4*
Itea (2 Nights) - Nafsika Palace, 4*
Corinth (2 Nights) - Hotel Kalamaki Beach, 4*
Athens (5 Nights) - Hotel Brown Acropol, 4*
Rooms are based on twin share. Solo travellers can opt to be paired with other solo travellers for room sharing.
Single rooms are available on request.
Twin Room – 2 Guests (Both names are required when booking)
Twin Room – Guaranteed Room Share (If you are a solo traveller and wish to share a room, we will match you up with someone to share a room).
Price Includes: *
Price Excludes:
Kieran J. O’Mahony OSA (HDipEd, BTS, STl, LSS, PhD) is an Irish Augustinian friar and biblical scholar. His studies took him from Dublin to Rome and Jerusalem. Kieran lectured for twenty-two years at the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy (Dublin), finally as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Scripture. Kieran’s chief research interest is the letters of St Paul. In particular, the social context of the time of writing is a key understanding of Paul’s whole project. As well as the social context, the literary and rhetorical layouts of each letter can help us trace the overall argument. Currently, Kieran is closely involved in the Tarsus Scripture School (www.tarsusscriptureschool.ie), an online and in-person educational initiative. You can find out more at his own website: www.tarsus.ie. Outside his passion for the Scriptures, Kieran is a keen hill-walker and cyclist.
