Fifty-five days, 12 countries, one Incredible journey of faith, history, and heart.

Revd Peter Rickman returned from an extraordinary eight-week sabbatical pilgrimage tracing the footsteps of St Paul the Apostle. Spanning over 55 days across the Middle East and Europe, the journey combined physical endurance, theological reflection, historical exploration, and spiritual encounters. Supported by the St Paul’s Collegiate School Board, Headmaster, and the Anglican Missions Board, this once-in-a-lifetime sabbatical sought to walk in the very places where the Apostle Paul lived, preached, suffered, and inspired a movement that changed the world.

Accompanied by a handcrafted “Buzzy Bee” made by a Year 11 student as a token of connection with the school community, Revd Rickman embarked on a journey that took him from the deserts of the Middle East to the ruins of ancient churches, cathedrals, and tombs across Europe, always with the spirit of St Paul as his guide.

Egypt – Cradle of Civilisation

The journey began in Cairo, where ancient stories and modern life collide. From the Pyramids of Giza and the tombs of Memphis and Saqqara to the vibrant chaos of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Revd Rickman described a sense of awe as he encountered layers of civilisation. A highlight was a camel ride through the sand, and a sacred visit to Coptic Cairo and the Monastery of St Simon the Tanner. In Alexandria, he paid respects at the tomb of St Mark the Evangelist.

In Luxor, he explored early Christian worship sites hidden within tombs—places of refuge for believers under Roman persecution. “It was incredibly humbling to stand in the midst of where ancient believers secretly gathered to pray,” he reflected.

Jordan – echoes of prophets

Crossing into Jordan during their Independence Day celebrations, Revd Rickman visited Umm Qais, Ajloun, and Jerash—key sites in both biblical and Roman history. He stood at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the site of Jesus' baptism, and peered from Mount Nebo, where Moses glimpsed the Promised Land. Madaba, famous for its ancient mosaics, and Moses’ Spring added layers of spiritual depth.

A highlight was walking through the rose-red city of Petra, one of the New7Wonders of the World, and spending a night in the stillness of Wadi Rum, where sunrise over the desert offered a sacred stillness and a sense of God’s presence.

Turkey – the journey begins

In Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul, the pilgrimage gained its core spiritual focus. Revd Rickman also visited Antioch, where believers were first called Christians. He spent time in Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and walked part of the St Paul Trail, trekking ancient Roman roads and staying in remote mountain villages.

In western Turkey, he explored the Seven Churches of Revelation – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. In Ephesus, he walked the streets where Paul preached and was imprisoned. He visited Pamukkale, Troas, and Assos, and stood in the great amphitheatre of Pergamon, where early Christians were martyred. A stop at Gallipoli, though outside the Pauline story, was a moving tribute to another kind of sacrifice.

Greece – faith amid philosophy

Crossing into Greece, the Rev followed Paul’s steps into Philippi, Thessaloniki, Veria, Athens, Corinth, and Cenchreae. He climbed Mount Olympus, in playful search of the old gods, before heading to Athens, where St Paul famously debated on Mars Hill (Areopagus).

Celebrating his birthday with Mass at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Athens, Revd Rickman received word from World Vision acknowledging the “outstanding work and mahi” of St Paul’s mission students – a moment of pride and affirmation. In Corinth, he reflected on Paul’s letters and their relevance to modern Christian life. A night ferry took him to the sacred island of Patmos, where John received his Revelation, before flying to Crete, a key site in the Pauline journey and early Christian communities.

Malta and Rome – the nd of the Road

The Rev then travelled to Malta, where Paul was famously shipwrecked. Exploring St Paul’s Bay, Mdina, and sites connected to Paul’s ministry and the legacy of the Knights of St John, he reflected on how resilience and faith carried Paul through every trial.

Finally, in Rome, he walked the road to martyrdom: the Mamertine Prison, Abbey of the Three Fountains (site of Paul’s execution), San Sebastian catacombs, and Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where Paul is buried. “To stand at the tomb of the man whose words have shaped the Christian world—it was overwhelming,” Revd Rickman shared.

A journey shared

Throughout the pilgrimage, Revd Rickman documented reflections, historical insights, and personal stories through video and photographs. His journey was not just a personal spiritual renewal but also a gift for his students and school community. The Buzzy Bee accompanied him in every country, connecting each step with those back home.

The final words of St Paul, quoted in a Roman prison cell, became a fitting epitaph for the entire sabbatical:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Legacy and gratitude

Revd Rickman returns renewed and inspired, full of gratitude for those who supported this journey. His reflections will continue to enrich chapel life, religious education, and service programmes at St Paul’s Collegiate School.

In following Paul’s path, he invites us all to ask:

• Where is God calling us to walk?
• Whose stories are shaping our faith?
• What legacy will we leave behind?