"Wednesday, June 11 – Pilgrimage Reflections, Part 5"

"In front of Socrates’ prison"

22 Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘To an unknown god.’ So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you." (Acts 17:22-23)

Socrates’ prison

On the fifth day of our pilgrimage, we began at the Acropolis in Athens. The first place we visited was the prison of Socrates. It is said that the location of the prison was changed four times before there was finally confidence that this site was indeed where Socrates had been held. Since Socrates was not a nobleman but a commoner who worked as a stonecutter, it makes sense that this was a prison for ordinary people.

"The view from the top of the Areopagus"

Socrates was imprisoned on charges of corrupting the youth, denying the mythological religion of the state, and causing social unrest by teaching monotheistic ideas. His religious philosophy provided an ideal foundation for the Apostle Paul to reference and build upon in proclaiming the gospel. In Acts 17:28, Paul even quotes a phrase—“we are his offspring”—to show that Socrates’ claims align with the message he is preaching.

This is the Areopagus Court! It was the place where the first jury system was established. It is also where, in Acts 17, after much debate, the Apostle Paul was brought to stand before the people and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. That very scene unfolds right here!

"The Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater"

This is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It was built during the Roman period by the Athenian noble Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. Even today, high-quality performances are held here. The renowned soprano Sumi Jo performed here in 2005.

This photo was taken while looking to the left (west) from just below the Propylaea—the gateway leading up to the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens.

The building on the left is the Propylaea, the official entrance to the ancient Acropolis of Athens. It was built around 437 BCE during the age of Pericles and is notable for its massive Doric columns that leave a powerful impression.

The building on the right is the Temple of Athena Nike. Though small and modest in size, it is a significant temple dedicated to Athena Nike, the goddess of victory. Constructed around 427–424 BCE, it is an Ionic-style temple built during the Peloponnesian War to pray for Athens’ military success.

Similarly, this is the Propylaea, and to the right is the entrance to the Temple of Nike. There were so many people that we were practically pushed up by the crowd."

Parthenon

This is the Parthenon, located at the center of the Acropolis in Athens and a symbol of ancient Greece.

1. The central grand temple – The Parthenon

2. Construction period: 447–432 BCE

3. Purpose: A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena (Athena Parthenos), symbolizing the prosperity and sanctity of the city-state of Athens

4. Architectural style: Doric order (exterior columns) and Ionic order (interior frieze)

5. Architects: Iktinos and Kallikrates; sculpture by Phidias

In the photo, you can see scaffolding set up along the columns and upper structure of the temple. This is part of ongoing restoration work that has been taking place since 1975 under the supervision of UNESCO and the Greek government, aimed at preserving this ancient monument.

The Parthenon has suffered extensive damage over time due to events such as the gunpowder explosion during the Venetian attack in 1687, looting, and natural weathering. Today, meticulous restoration and research continue to ensure its preservation.

This photo shows the Porch of the Caryatids, which is part of the Erechtheion Temple located on the Acropolis.

The Athens portion of the pilgrimage allowed us to feel the very breath of the gospel that Paul once proclaimed to the people of Athens. Proclaiming the gospel to those who worshipped the greatest of gods must have been a tremendous challenge. With that thought in mind, we concluded our time in Athens and traveled north to Meteora, a four-hour journey.

Along the way, we came across a statue of a Spartan warrior and took a photo. This is the same type of warrior depicted in the movie 300. Interestingly, while the movie shows the men wearing some clothing, it is said that real Spartan soldiers fought completely nude in battle.

Prayer 

Lord, As I stand on the hill where Paul once preached, fill me with boldness and clarity. Help me to turn away from the idols I do not even recognize, and to worship You—the one true God— with a heart full of faith in the resurrection. Let this journey through Athens renew my confidence in the gospel. May I live today, not in fear or confusion, but in the truth of Christ crucified and risen. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Intercessory Prayer

1. Yesterday, I wasn’t able to post the morning devotion because I was busy from early in the day meeting with people to respond to the fire department’s request to clear the grass and remove trees behind the church.Please pray that I will stay healthy in the midst of this busyness.

2. The church garden has been completed!Now, all that’s left is to plant whatever we want.It would be wonderful if each of you could prepare and bring something from home to plant.

3. Starting this Sunday, our youth retreat will take place.Preparations have not been easy, so we ask for your continued prayers.