Variations of the ichthys symbol Variations of the ichthys symbol The ichthys symbol, or "Jesus fish", typically used to proclaim an affiliation with or affinity for Christianity, has many variations. Some of these are made by Christians in order to promote a specific doctrine or theological perspective, such as evolutionary creation. Other variations are sometimes intended for the purpose of satire. Both the traditional ichthys fish as well as its variations, are often seen adorning the bumpers or trunks of automobiles, often in the form of adhesive badges made of chrome-colored plastic. While the fish symbol dates back millennia, having its origins in pre-Christian religious
Early centers of Christianity "Bishop of Damascus") then he was baptized. Thessaloniki, the major northern Greek city where it is believed Christianity was founded by Paul, thus an Apostolic See, and the surrounding regions of Macedonia, Western and Eastern Thrace, and Epirus, which also extend into the neighboring Balkan states of Albania and Bulgaria, were early centers of Christianity. Of note are Paul's Epistles to the "Thessalonians" and to Philippi, which is often considered the first contact of Christianity with Europe. The "Apostolic Father" Polycarp wrote a letter to the Philippians, c.125. Nicopolis was a city in the Roman province of Epirus Vetus, today