Stylliani Thalassa
Follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through Macedonia, where his journey laid the foundation for Christianity in Europe.
The apostle Paul, guided by his unshakable faith and love for Christ, embarked on a mission that would forever shape the course of Christian history in Europe, particularly in Greece. This journey, chronicled in the Acts of the Apostles by the Evangelist Luke, reveals the incredible struggles, triumphs, and divine guidance that led Paul to spread the Christian message across the ancient Greek world.
The Divine Call to Macedonia.
Paul’s journey to Greece was prompted by a divine vision. One night, while in Asia Minor, Paul saw a Macedonian man in his dream, calling him to come and help them. Believing this was a clear divine calling, Paul set out to cross over to Macedonia, marking the beginning of the Christian mission in Europe.
Starting from the coast of Asia Minor, Paul first made a brief stop on the island of Samothrace, before reaching the city of Neapolis, modern-day Kavala, on the northern coast of Greece. However, the most significant city in the Roman period was Philippi, located just to the north of Neapolis, where Paul’s evangelistic efforts bore fruit.
The Foundation of the First European Church and the later Basilicas.
In Philippi, Paul founded the first Christian church in Greece and, by extension, in all of Europe. His message of love and salvation resonated deeply with the locals, and one of the first converts was Lydia, a wealthy merchant from Thyatira. After listening to Paul’s teachings by the river, Lydia felt the transformation in her heart and was baptized, along with her family. This event is commemorated today by the Baptistery of Saint Lydia in Philippi.
In the middle of the 4th century, Porphyrios, the bishop of Philippi, constructed a house of prayer dedicated to Saint Paul, which was part of a larger complex that included a baptistery, a bishop’s residence, and a spring. On this site, in the 5th century, the Octagon Church was built, a unique structure in Greece. Furthermore, Philippi went on to acquire one of the largest Early Christian basilicas, Basilica A, by the late 5th century. In the middle of the 6th century, a distinctive domed basilica (Basilica B) with a movable font was built south of the Roman forum, followed by another, Basilica C, in the same period. Unfortunately, Basilica C was destroyed by earthquakes around 610-620, marking a turbulent time in the city’s history.
Today, visitors can admire these remarkable basilicas, along with the ruins of the ancient city of Philippi, on a one-day trip from Thessaloniki that also includes the city of Kavala. To organize your own private tour, visit this link.
Persecution and Miracles
Despite the growing Christian community, Paul’s journey was not without challenges. Together with Silas, Paul faced severe persecution for their mission. They were imprisoned after casting out a spirit of divination from a young slave girl. The city’s authorities, upset by their interference in local economic activities, threw them into prison.
However, God intervened in a miraculous way. A powerful earthquake struck the prison, freeing Paul and Silas. This event led to the conversion of the jailer, who, along with his family, was baptized. The earthquake was seen as a sign of divine approval and a testament to the power of faith.
The Mission Continues in Thessalonica and Veroia
After leaving Philippi, Paul continued his mission in Thessaloniki, a city with a significant Jewish community. However, his message was met with resistance from many of his Jewish countrymen, who were hostile to his teachings. However, Apostle Paul’s teachings made a profound impact among Greek converts. According to tradition, he faced hostility from his compatriots and sought refuge outside the city walls, near the Monastery of Vlatadon. Here, a spring known as the “Holy Water of Apostle Paul” is believed to mark where he rested. As tensions rose, Paul was forced to leave the city, but not before establishing a strong Christian community.
The apostle then traveled to Veria, where he found a more receptive audience. The people of Veria, particularly the Jews, were more open to Paul’s teachings and diligently examined the scriptures. This openness led to many conversions, but news of his success soon reached Thessalonica, where Paul’s enemies stirred up trouble, forcing him to flee once again.
In Veria, a spiritual landmark still exists today—the “Pulpit of Saint Paul,” where it is believed he stood to preach the gospel.The monument is located very close to the Raktivan Square (or Orologiou Square) and it is decorated with impressive mosaic hagiographies, while the statue of Apostle Paul donated by the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Academy of Arts was recently placed at the area. Each year, the Tribune of Apostle Paul becomes the center of religious, cultural, and educational events dedicated to him and his work. As the founder of the local church, he is honored through the annual “Pavleia” festival, which lasts a month and culminates on June 29th, the feast day of St. Paul.
This famous monument is part of a private tour from Thessaloniki that also includes Veria and the Royal Tombs of Vergina. To organize your own private tour, visit this link.
The Apostle Paul’s Sanctuary in Nea Fokea
The Apostle Paul’s journey through Macedonia left a profound mark, with numerous sites bearing witness to his mission. Among them, a hidden sanctuary in Nea Fokea stands out—a cave where, according to tradition, Paul found refuge while fleeing persecution. Here, he secretly preached and baptized converts in the spring known as the Holy Water (Agiasma). Visitors today crawl through a narrow passage to reach a rocky chamber where water still flows from the depths of the earth. Some believe the adjoining space was once a Macedonian tomb, later transformed into an early Christian chapel. Though its frescoes have faded, the spiritual aura remains strong, drawing pilgrims each year on June 28th to honor the Apostle who once walked these lands, spreading the message of faith.
Travelers interested in this monument often plan their visit from Thessaloniki and other parts of Halkidiki, combining history with excursions to the region’s beautiful beaches. Learn more about how to organize your trip by visiting this link.
The Athens and Corinth Encounter
After leaving Veria, Paul moved on to Athens, a city renowned for its intellectual and philosophical heritage. There, he preached in the Areo pagus, addressing the Athenian philosophers and urging them to recognize the “Unknown God” as the one true God. While his message resonated with some, others dismissed him, though he still managed to establish a small but notable Christian community in the city. Paul’s journey then took him to Corinth, where he spent a significant amount of time founding another important Christian community. His letters to the Corinthians would later become key texts in the New Testament, offering enduring guidance on Christian living and theology.
Greece: The Birthplace of European Christianity
Paul’s mission in Greece laid the foundation for the spread of Christianity across Europe. His dedication, despite the persecutions and challenges he faced, turned many hearts towards Christ. The early Christian communities in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Veria, Athens, and Corinth would grow and spread the gospel far and wide, making Greece a spiritual cradle for Christianity in the Western world.
As we reflect on Paul’s journey, it is clear that Greece played an instrumental role in the early expansion of Christianity. Through his struggles, miracles, and unwavering faith, Paul showed the world that the message of Christ was not just for the Jews, but for all people—across nations and cultures. His influence in Greece, and the conversion of so many Greeks to Christianity, would go on to shape European history for centuries to come.
Even today, the footsteps of Saint Paul echo through the historical sites of Greece, where his legacy continues to inspire millions of Christians worldwide.
Stylliani Thalassa is BA Archaeologist