Saint Lydia of Philippi: The First Christian in Europe and Her Shrine in Kavala

Today, on May 20th, the Church honors Saint Lydia of Philippi, known as the first Christian in Europe. She hailed from Thyatira in Asia Minor and was a seller of the precious purple fabric. As described in the Acts of the Apostles, she was devout and “worshipped God.” The region around Kavala is historically mentioned in this sacred book of the New Testament. Apostle Paul, along with Timothy, Silas, and Luke, landed at the ancient port of Neapolis (modern-day Kavala) and traveled via the Egnatia Road to Philippi. There, Paul baptized Lydia, making her the first Greek and European woman to embrace Christianity. Tradition holds that she and her family were baptized by the river Zygaktis outside the city walls. Near the archaeological site of Philippi, construction of a monumental church-baptistery began in the early 1970s under the late Metropolitan Alexander of Philippi, Neapolis, and Thasos. Over time, it became a worship center attracting thousands of Christians of all denominations who come to pray, admire its stunning natural setting, and take water from the Zygaktis River, symbolically traveling back in time to the presence of Apostle Paul. This holy church-baptistery of Saint Lydia of Philippi stands today as a modern architectural monument adorned with impressive mosaic art and vibrant stained glass. At its center lies a marble baptismal font, enhancing the Byzantine grandeur of the structure. The outdoor baptistery, located beneath ancient plane trees and beside flowing waters, offers a lush environment where natural and ancient beauty harmoniously blend, captivating visitors. It has become a place of prayer for Christians worldwide, especially Catholics and Protestants, who refer to it as the second Jordan. Much of its prominence owes to the efforts of the late Metropolitan Prokopios of Philippi, Neapolis, and Thasos, who transformed it into a globally recognized sacred site through various initiatives. The interior is adorned with exquisite mosaics crafted by renowned iconographer Vlassis Tsotsonis. Visitors marvel at the mosaic depicting Christ’s baptism inside the dome and the mosaic floor illustrating Apostle Paul’s journeys. Upon entering, one feels the coolness and omnipresence of water. Located 20 km west of Kavala, this church-baptistery is a modern monument, an integral part of the rich history of ancient Philippi, which was the first city in the known world to receive the Gospel message from Apostle Paul. It is a small wonder of nature where visitors experience tranquility amidst rustling leaves and murmuring waters.