St Lydia's Church
Description:
The Church of St. Lydia is located near the river Gaggiti, near the ancient city of Philippi. It was at this place, according to the Acts, that an important historical event took place: here in the year 49 of the Birth of Christ, the Apostle Paul baptized the first Christian woman in Europe – the wealthy resident Philip the merchant Lydia. The Lydia House Church is considered the first Christian church in Europe.
Righteous Lydia spent the rest of her life spreading the Gospel preaching in the country. He is now a saint revered by the Greeks. The day of her memory is considered May 20.
In the center of the church there is a marble font in memory of the baptism of the first Christian community. Here, local Christians baptize their children. Lydia's house became a hotel for pilgrims.