The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has begun moves to expand international pilgrimage destinations for Nigerian Christians through historic and holy sites across Greece.
Mr Celestine Toruka, NCPC Director of Media and Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
Toruka said the initiative aligned with the commission’s mandate under the NCPC Act 2007 to identify sacred sites worldwide.
He said the mandate empowered NCPC to establish access to such destinations for the spiritual benefit of Nigerian Christian pilgrims.
As part of the initiative, NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, visited Hydra Island, a historic Greek pilgrimage destination.
Hydra is renowned for its rich history and distinctive car-free environment, where donkeys and horses provide the island’s main means of transport.
During the visit, Adegbite engaged local pilgrimage stakeholders and met Hydra Mayor, Mr George Koukoudakis, to discuss bilateral cooperation.
The discussions also examined logistical frameworks required to facilitate future pilgrimage visits by Nigerian Christians to the Greek island.
Adegbite said Greece offered Nigerian pilgrims an exceptional combination of early Christian heritage, historic landmarks and world-class hospitality.
He said incorporating Greek destinations into Nigeria’s national pilgrimage programme would deepen pilgrims’ spiritual experiences and promote faith-based tourism.
“Greece offers an extraordinary blend of early Christian heritage, renowned historical landmarks, and world-class hospitality,” Adegbite said.
He added that the proposed partnership would represent a significant milestone in NCPC’s efforts to diversify pilgrimage routes.
According to him, the initiative would also improve the quality of spiritual exercises while strengthening Nigeria’s international relationships.
Exploring Greek destinations formed part of broader efforts to create meaningful pilgrimage experiences beyond Nigeria’s existing international routes. (NAN)
