Our last day of the Pilgrimage was bittersweet. Seeing so many important historical and religious sites throughout Turkey, along with such an amazing group of young adults, has been spectacular. Today came to a close with a final tour around the city of Izmir, and ascending to one of the highest points in the city, Kadifekale or Pagos Hill. Known for its panoramic views of the of the bay, the area houses defensive walls originally built by Alexander the Great, as well as cisterns constructed during the Roman period. Our final afternoon was spent on the beautiful coastal city of Cesme, a popular beach resort town, which is a 40-minute boat ride from the Greek island of Chios. The participants gathered in the evening after dinner for a heartfelt discussion about the highlights of the trip, followed by a Paraklesis service—the perfect way to end our spiritual journey.
On behalf of the entire group, it was a privilege to travel with and learn from His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas and Rev. Fr. Bill Gikas. While all of our tour guides were well versed in history, His Grace provided an element of spiritual and cultural relevance that contributed to the undeniable success of the trip. Thank you!
We leave for the U.S tomorrow morning, looking forward to the comforts of home, already reminiscing about our time spent together in Turkey!
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