The Baptistry of Saint Lydia of Philippi

Μετάφραση

A Sacred Landmark of Early Christianity in Philippi, Kavala

Just outside the ancient city of Philippi, in the village of Krinides near Kavala, lies one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Greece: the Baptistry of Saint Lydia, traditionally believed to be the place where the Apostle Paul baptised the first Greek—and first European—Christian woman.

According to the Evangelist Luke (Acts 16:11–15), Paul arrived in Philippi in the winter of AD 49–50 during his first missionary journey to Greece. On the Sabbath he visited the banks of the Zygaktis River, where a small Jewish community gathered for prayer. Among the women who listened to Paul’s preaching was Lydia of Thyateira, a merchant of purple dye from Asia Minor.
Moved by his words, Lydia embraced the Christian faith and was baptised by Paul in the river. She later played a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout the region.

To honour this foundational moment in European Christian history, a modern baptistry was built in 1974 by the Metropolitan of Philippi, Neapolis and Thasos.

Architecture & Interior

The baptistry is octagonal in design, reminiscent of early Christian architecture. At its centre lies a marble font used for infant baptisms, while two separate changing rooms accommodate adult candidates. The interior is richly decorated with mosaics, frescoes and stained-glass windows created by renowned Greek artists, depicting scenes from Paul’s ministry in Philippi.

The Outdoor River Baptistry

On the nearby riverbank—believed to be the exact site of Lydia’s baptism—stands an open-air, cross-shaped baptistry, inspired by the ancient baptistries uncovered at Philippi. Every year on 20 May, the feast day of Saint Lydia, a moving ceremony takes place: following the festive Divine Liturgy, clergy and pilgrims process to the river, where adult baptisms are performed in a deeply emotional and symbolic ritual.

Opening Hours

The baptistry is open Monday to Friday (closed on Tuesdays)
08:30 – 17:00

Getting There

The Baptistry of Saint Lydia is located 18.9 km (26 minutes) from Kavala and only 3.5 km (5 minutes) from the Archaeological Site of Philippi. Access is easy via the Drama–Kavala National Road, and there is ample free parking on-site. A visit can easily be combined with a tour of ancient Philippi and a stop at the Kefalari Springs, a peaceful natural attraction nearby.