St. Paul's Footsteps Private Experience from Thessaloniki

The Holy Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Agios Pavlos, Thessaloniki, Greece, is a prominent spiritual landmark dedicated to Saint Paul. Thessaloniki is a city with deep ties to the missionary journeys of the Apostle, as he preached and established a Christian community there, referenced in the New Testament letters to the Thessalonians.

The Archaeological Museum of Philippi

Philippi is one of the most significant stops for those tracing the footsteps of Saint Paul. Located in modern-day Northern Greece near the city of Kavala, Philippi was a major city in the Roman province of Macedonia during Paul's time. Today, the archaeological remains of Philippi allow visitors to walk in Paul's footsteps: The Baptistry of Lydia, The Roman Forum, The Prison of Paul and Silas, The Octagon Church(One of the earliest Christian churches in Europe, built over the ruins of an older structure) and The Ancient Theater.

Saint Lydia's Baptistery

Saint Lydia's Baptistery is a significant Christian pilgrimage site located near the ancient city of Philippi in Northern Greece. It commemorates Lydia of Thyatira, the first recorded European convert to Christianity, baptized by Saint Paul during his missionary journey (Acts 16:13-15). Biblical Significance of Lydia and Her Baptism Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, was a wealthy and influential woman from Thyatira, residing in Philippi. She is described as a "worshiper of God," indicating she was likely a Gentile who revered the Jewish faith. Her conversion to Christianity marked a pivotal moment in the spread of the faith to Europe, making her one of the most significant figures in early Christian history. Saint Paul baptized Lydia and her household near a river outside the city gates of Philippi. This act symbolized the beginning of the Christian church in Europe.