Church of Saint Minas in Thessaloniki is a cornerstone of the city’s religious and historical landscape, dates back to the 5th century AD. Despite enduring numerous fires and subsequent reconstructions, the church has retained its original architectural layout. The most recent restoration completed in 1852, as evidenced by an inscription above the main entrance.

Church of Saint Minas in Thessaloniki

Located in the heart of Thessaloniki, near the sea, the Holy Church of Saint Minas is a must-visit for those seeking to explore the city’s rich Early Christianity history and cultural heritage. As the patron saint of the commercial market, Saint Minas continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Thessalonians. Its address is 10, Ionos Dragoumi Street in the heart of today’s city center.

Church of Saint Minas: Saint Paul’s legacy

Saint Paul had a connection to a Greek Jew named Jason, who lived in the city and ran a small weaving workshop in the city center. Jason welcomed Paul and his companions, providing them with shelter, food, and work. They did not want to be a burden to their host, as they planned to stay in Thessaloniki for an extended period.

 “You remember brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.”

1 Thessalonians 2:9,

Saint Paul met with many local Jews in the city, particularly at the great synagogue, the religious center of Macedonian Jews. For the first three Sabbaths, he preached about Jesus Christ as the long-awaited Messiah, using the Old Testament as his speech foundation. While some Jews were convinced, the majority of believers were Gentiles, including many women from the upper class. Today, behind the Holy Altar of Saint Minas church, a stone prelatic pulpit stands, upon which, as tradition recounts,

Apostle Paul addressed the Thessalonians during his second visit to Thessaloniki. This pulpit, subsequently sculpted by Christians, adorned with early Christian symbols. Locals believe that the site of the present-day church was once the residence of Saint Jason, who offered extended hospitality to Saint Paul during his stay in Thessaloniki.

Church of Saint Minas: A historical and archaeological jewel

Historically, the church served as a monastery, with notable figures like Saint Gregory the Decapolitan residing there in the 9th century. Throughout its existence, the Holy Church of Saint Minas has been a focal point for both local and non-local communities, often referred to as the “Yannik Monastir Maha Le” (Neighborhood of the Burnt Monastery) due to its repeated destruction by fires.

During the Turkish Ottoman occupation, the church played a pivotal role in preserving Greek cultural identity and language. It served as a hidden hospital for wounded Macedonian fighters and remained unconverted into a mosque, likely due to its peripheral location. Furthermore, the church functioned as a center of charity and education, utilizing its income to support Greek schools.

The Holy Church of Saint Minas also holds significant religious and historical importance. It served as a Metropolitan Church and was the site of the doxology performed during the liberation of Thessaloniki during 1912. The throne, used by the Crown Prince Constantine during this ceremony is now on display in the church’s museum.

From an archaeological perspective, the Holy Church of Saint Minas is a valuable early Christian monument. It highlights the basilica style and represents a connection between national aspirations and the historical development of Thessaloniki and Macedonia. Additionally, the church is associated with the Holy New Martyr Christodoulos of Kassandra, who martyred by the Ottoman Turks in 1777.

Church of Saint Minas: Thessalonica biblical tour

Thessaloniki was another important city for Saint Paul’s missionary journey. He founded two churches here and wrote the two very first epistles to the Thessalonians. Today, visitors can see the Church of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul’s Cathedral), which built on the site where Saint Paul have preached. The church is home to a beautiful icon of Saint Paul. Also within walking distance we may visit the Saint Paul chapel and the Holy Spring of Saint Paul.

Moni Vlatadon or Vlatadon monastery is another Saint Paul related site and definitely a must visit. The monastery is located on the upper part of the city, offering the best panoramic views of the city, Thermaikos gulf and mount Olympus. The church is worth visiting mainly because of Saint Paul’s legacy, for its beautiful frescoes and its stunning views of the surrounding area and Thermaikos gulf.For more info on our Biblical tours please click here

Thessaloniki day trips to all Saint Paul sites in Northern Greece, private & guided tours for up to 12 travelers by SKG BUS! For more info (availability & rates), simply call Michael at +306976888113 (WhatsApp available).

Thessaloniki airport pickups and drop offs available upon request.