A Sacred Christian Pilgrimage Experience
Walk Through the Lands
of the Apostles
Experience sacred Christian heritage across Türkiye through faith, pilgrimage, history and spiritual reflection.
Our Vision
Why We Exist
Footsteps of the Apostles is an international Christian pilgrimage initiative dedicated to reconnecting believers with the lands of the early Church across Türkiye and beyond.
Our mission is to create spiritually meaningful journeys rooted in biblical heritage, prayer, peace, worship and Christian unity. We believe pilgrimage is not merely tourism. It is a sacred encounter that transforms faith, builds fellowship and connects believers to the living history of Christianity.
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord... He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.”
— ISAIAH 2:3
"They Were First Called Christians..."
— Acts 11:26
In a cave hidden in the hills of ancient Antioch, something extraordinary happened. For the first time in history, followers of Jesus were given a name — Christians. This small community, led by Paul and Barnabas, would change the world forever. The cave church of St. Peter still stands today, inviting you to pray where it all began.
"I Am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia..."
— Acts 21:39
Before he was the greatest missionary the world has ever known, Saul was a boy in Tarsus. Drink from the ancient well where Paul may have drawn water. Stand in the house tradition says was his birthplace. Visit the church built in his honor. In Tarsus, Paul's story begins — and so does yours.
318 Bishops. One Creed. The Faith Defined.
— Council of Nicaea, 325 AD
Emperor Constantine summoned 318 bishops from across the known world to a small lakeside city. In the summer heat of Nicaea, they forged the Nicene Creed — the defining statement of Christian faith still recited by billions today. Martyrs bled here. Councils shaped doctrine here. On 29 November 2025, Pope Francis visited İznik to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of this historic council.
"To the Church in Ephesus..."
— Revelation 2:1
Paul preached here for three years. John brought the Virgin Mary here for safety. The Third Ecumenical Council met here. Multiple Popes have knelt at the House of the Virgin Mary on the hillside above. Ephesus is not a ruin — it is a living testimony to the power of the Gospel.
Hidden Churches. Underground Cities. Unshakeable Faith.
— 1 Peter 1:1
When persecution raged, early Christians carved entire cities underground. They painted frescoes of Christ in secret chambers within fairy chimneys. In Cappadocia, faith went literally underground — and survived. Today, these cave churches stand as monuments to a faith that could not be destroyed.
Sacred Ground
Even Popes Journey Here
On 29 November 2025, Pope Francis visited İznik (Nicaea) to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council, where the Nicene Creed was born.
Multiple Popes — including Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI — have prayed at the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus. These are not ordinary destinations. These are sacred ground.
Explore Sacred SitesWhere the Faith Was Defined
İznik (Nicaea) — Birthplace of the Creed
In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine gathered 318 bishops in this lakeside city. Together, they forged the Nicene Creed — the defining statement of the Christian faith, still recited by over two billion believers worldwide.
First Ecumenical Council (325 AD)
318 bishops gathered to combat Arianism and produced the Nicene Creed, affirming the divinity of Christ.
Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 AD)
The council that resolved the Iconoclasm controversy, restoring the veneration of sacred images.
Pope Francis Visit (29 Nov 2025)
Pope Francis visited İznik to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council — reaffirming its importance to global Christianity.
40+
Sacred Sites
2,000
Years of History
7
Pilgrimage Journeys
3
Continents Served
The Cradle of Christianity
Why Türkiye Matters to Christian History
More of the New Testament took place in modern-day Türkiye than in any other country. This is where Christianity became a global faith.
Birthplace of Paul
The Apostle Paul was born in Tarsus, Türkiye. From here he launched the missionary journeys that spread Christianity across the ancient world.
"I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city." — Acts 21:39
Seven Churches of Revelation
All seven churches addressed by Christ in Revelation — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea — are in Türkiye.
"Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches." — Revelation 1:11
The Nicene Creed
In 325 AD, 318 bishops gathered in Nicaea (İznik) and forged the Nicene Creed — the defining statement of Christian faith still recited by billions today.
"We believe in one God, the Father Almighty..." — Nicene Creed, 325 AD
House of the Virgin Mary
Tradition holds that the Apostle John brought Mary to Ephesus after the Crucifixion. The House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus is visited by Popes and pilgrims alike.
"Behold your mother." — John 19:27
First Called 'Christians'
The believers in Antioch (Antakya) were the first people ever called 'Christians.' This city in southern Türkiye is where the early Church took root.
"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." — Acts 11:26
Ecumenical Councils
Five of the seven great Ecumenical Councils of the early Church were held in Türkiye — at Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit." — Ephesians 4:3
Pilgrimage Journeys
Sacred Journeys of Faith
Each pilgrimage is a unique spiritual encounter with the living history of Christianity. Which journey calls to your heart?
Spiritual Advisory & Leadership
Rev. Yakubu Pam
Rev. Yakubu Pam is a distinguished Christian leader, former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), and a passionate advocate for pilgrimage diplomacy and Christian unity. With deep roots in Africa's Christian community and intimate knowledge of Türkiye's sacred sites, he bridges continents through the shared heritage of faith.
As the founder of St. Paul Global Week — an annual gathering in Tarsus — Rev. Pam has brought Christians from across three continents to walk in the footsteps of the Apostles. His leadership is rooted in pastoral warmth, international credibility, and a vision for Christian fellowship that transcends borders.
Read His Full Story
Senior Advisor
Former Exec. Secretary, NCPC
Partner With Us
Church & Ministry Partnerships
We partner with churches, denominations, ministry organizations, and Christian educational institutions to create custom pilgrimage experiences for their congregations.
Church Group Pilgrimages
Organize a custom pilgrimage for your congregation. We handle logistics, itinerary, and spiritual programming.
Seminary & Bible College Trips
Bring theology students to walk where Paul walked. A transformative academic and spiritual experience.
Interdenominational Gatherings
Unite churches across denominations through shared pilgrimage. Build fellowship across borders and traditions.
Annual Gathering
St. Paul Global Week 2026
A once-a-year special gathering in the land of Saint Paul. Pray in Tarsus, walk the ancient roads of Cilicia, and celebrate our shared Christian heritage with believers from around the world.
28–30 June 2026 • Tarsus & Mersin, Türkiye
Spiritual Preparation
Before you walk in the footsteps of the Apostles, prepare your heart. Our pilgrimage is not merely a tour — it is a spiritual encounter that begins with prayer, scripture and reflection.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7
The Apostle Paul wrote these words near the end of his life. His journey began in Tarsus, Türkiye. Your journey of faith can begin there too.
This Is Not Ordinary Tourism.
This is a sacred Christian pilgrimage experience. The lands of the Apostles are waiting for you.