Many large , modern concert venues in our cities are called arenas . But the truly genuine arenas , would be places like the Colosseum in Rome , built by the Romans ; scores of which are scattered throughout Europe .
These arenas are monuments to the bloodthirsty entertainments enjoyed by the citizens of the decadent Roman Empire .
One famous Roman Arena is located in the city of Pula , Croatia , where gladiators and Christians were killed , while thousands cheered . Still visible , are the gates through which the lions would have entered the arena . It is not difficult to imagine the cruelty that those Christian martyrs endured .
These days , the Arena in Pula , Croatia is one of only a few arenas where concerts are allowed . Built at the same time as the Colosseum in Rome in the 1st century AD , it could hold up to 20,000 people .
It has never hosted a Christian Worship event . But that changed on Saturday 3rd June , 2023 when this arena where Christians were once slaughtered , became a cathedral of Christian worship .
Hillsong UNITED were planning a European tour entitled Are We There Yet ?, based on their recent album and we had an idea . How historic it would be , to host a Worship Night in the Pula Arena with this band .
The Hungarian organization “ This Is The Day !” a leading promotor of Christian music events in Central Europe , recognized the potential of the idea and encouraged us to do it . They have filled sports halls and stadiums in Hungary and beyond , during the last 20 years and had the experience to help us .
The event was called “ This Is The Day ! Adria 2023 ” and more than 4,000 people attended .
Joining Hillsong UNITED for this concert , were Matt Maher ( USA ) and Noel Richards ( UK ). Noel
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