Turkey - Antioch

Antioch on the Orontes, also called Syrian Antioch, was situated on the eastern side of the Orontes River, in the far southeastern corner of Asia Minor. In 64 B.C. Pompey made the city capital over the Roman province of Syria, and by AD 165, it was third largest city of the empire.

Very little of the ancient Antioch remains today because the modern city of Antakya sits atop its ruins. Antioch played a large role in the early spread of Christianity. After Stephen was stoned, many believers, later followed by some apostles, fled to Antioch in order to escape persecution. (Acts 11:19-26) 

Later the church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. (Acts 13)  Paul began and ended his second missionary journey in Antioch, accompanied by Silas. (Acts 15:36-41; 18:22) He started his third missionary journey from the city as well. (Acts 18:22-23)

Pictured above is the Grotto of St. Peter's Church. It is one of more than twenty 4th century churches unearthed in Antioch. According to tradition, this cave was used by Christians for secret meetings to avoid persecution. Likewise, tradition has it that Peter preached here when he was in the city between 47-54 A.D.

Believers were first called "Christians" in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)