The Name We Carry

On our pilgrimage, we visited Antioch, present-day Antakya, one of the most important cities in the story of the early Church. There we entered St. Peter’s Grotto, the ancient cave where, according to tradition, the Apostle Peter preached and the first believers gathered for prayer and worship. And from this modest grotto, the Gospel would travel across nations and generations.

The Scripture says, that “it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Before Antioch, the followers of Jesus were known simply as disciples, believers, or followers of “the Way.” But here they received a new name: Christian.

The believers in Antioch were called Christians because their lives had become identified with Christ. His teachings shaped their choices. His love guided their relationships. His death and resurrection gave them hope. Christianity was more than a belief they held; it was a life they lived.

To be called a Christian is to belong to Christ.

Most of us received the name “Christian” at our baptism. We were marked with Holy Muron, clothed in Christ, and welcomed into His family. But every day, we must grow into the name we were given by choosing truth over convenience, humility over pride, hope over despair.

But Antioch was also the place from which they were sent.

The Book of Acts tells us that while the Church in Antioch was worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul for a new mission. The community prayed over them and sent them out to proclaim the Gospel (Acts 13:2–3).

Antioch reminds us that faith always has two movements: we draw near to Christ, and then we go forth in His name. We come to the altar to receive Him, and we return to the world to reveal Him.

That is also the meaning of our pilgrimage. It does not end when we unpack our suitcases, organize our photographs, and return to familiar routines. Its true fruit will appear in how we live when we return home.

We came to Antioch remembering where the name “Christian” began. Now we must leave Antioch remembering what that name requires.

Friends, let us carry the name Christian humbly and faithfully. Wherever our journey leads us, may others encounter something of Christ in us—His compassion in our words, His mercy in our actions, His peace in our presence, and His hope in the way we live.

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