Remains of Ancient Philippi

Pictured here is an overview of the archeological remains of the Philippi that Saint Paul would have visited. In the foreground you can see the columns and paved walkways of the public area called the "agora." The agora was in central area that people congregated, visited, and shopped. The columns lined a covered walkway called the "stoa" which would have been filled with shops--their equivalent of a shopping mall. In the background you can see the columns of a Christian basilica probably built in the 4th century A.D. Saint Paul loved the Philippians as even just a casual reading of his letter to them reveals. The first chapter is a great Scripture reading for celebrating friendships and religious anniversaries of all kinds.