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By Philomina Attah<\/p>\n
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has begun moves to expand international pilgrimage destinations for Nigerian Christians through historic and holy sites across Greece.<\/p>\n
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Mr Celestine Toruka, NCPC Director of Media and Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.<\/p>\n
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Toruka said the initiative aligned with the commission\u2019s mandate under the NCPC Act 2007 to identify sacred sites worldwide.<\/p>\n
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He said the mandate empowered NCPC to establish access to such destinations for the spiritual benefit of Nigerian Christian pilgrims.<\/p>\n
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As part of the initiative, NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, visited Hydra Island, a historic Greek pilgrimage destination.<\/p>\n
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Hydra is renowned for its rich history and distinctive car-free environment, where donkeys and horses provide the island\u2019s main means of transport.<\/p>\n
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During the visit, Adegbite engaged local pilgrimage stakeholders and met Hydra Mayor, Mr George Koukoudakis, to discuss bilateral cooperation.<\/p>\n
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The discussions also examined logistical frameworks required to facilitate future pilgrimage visits by Nigerian Christians to the Greek island.<\/p>\n
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Adegbite said Greece offered Nigerian pilgrims an exceptional combination of early Christian heritage, historic landmarks and world-class hospitality.<\/p>\n
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He said incorporating Greek destinations into Nigeria\u2019s national pilgrimage programme would deepen pilgrims\u2019 spiritual experiences and promote faith-based tourism.<\/p>\n
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\u201cGreece offers an extraordinary blend of early Christian heritage, renowned historical landmarks, and world-class hospitality,\u201d Adegbite said.<\/p>\n
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He added that the proposed partnership would represent a significant milestone in NCPC\u2019s efforts to diversify pilgrimage routes.<\/p>\n
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According to him, the initiative would also improve the quality of spiritual exercises while strengthening Nigeria\u2019s international relationships.<\/p>\n
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Exploring Greek destinations formed part of broader efforts to create meaningful pilgrimage experiences beyond Nigeria\u2019s existing international routes. (NAN)<\/p>\n
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