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Turkey: Antioch on the Orontes

March 31, 2026

Antioch on the Orontes—also sometimes called “Syrian Antioch”— was the third-largest city in the Greco–Roman world: behind Rome and Alexandria (Egypt). Today it is called Antakya (Hatay) and has a population of about 150,000. — Here followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:19–26) and from here famine relief was sent to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27–30). Paul began all three of his missionary journeys from Antioch (Acts 13; 15:35–41; 18:22–23).

We will visit Antioch-on-the-Orontes River on our 35-Day Trip to Israel/Jordan, Turkey, and Greece—from April 5 to May 9, 2023—or join the 15-Day Turkey portion of the trip that includes all 7 churches of Revelation!