Saint Lydia’s Baptistry is another unique destination that we visit during our biblical Philippi tour. Located within walking distance from Philippi archaeological site is an international pilgrimage site, dedicated to Saint Lydia, the first ever-Christian woman in Europe.

For more info (availability – rates) on our Philippi biblical day trips from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available.

In the early 1970s, Metropolitan Alexander, head of Holly Metropolis of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos Island, had the fortunate inspiration to establish a monumental contemporary temple, the Baptismal site of the equal-to-the-apostles Saint Lydia of Philippi. The construction of the temple on the banks of the Zygaktis River, west of ancient Philippi, commenced and completed in August 1973, after a period of 14 months.

The baptismal site is unique of its kind in Greece. It covers an area of 28,000 square meters and features a parking lot, access roads, and resting areas for visitors.

Early Christians were baptized in open-air spaces, primarily where there was water, such as rivers, lakes, or other natural reservoirs. Baptisteries consisted of an outer court and an inner chamber. The preliminary rites of Baptism, the covenant with Christ, the catechesis, and the confession of faith were performed in the outer chamber.

In the inner chamber, or the illuminarium, which was analogous to the Holy Bema and was called the Holy of Holies, the candidates were baptized in a deep, cross-shaped font, into which they descended by steps. The Baptismal site of Lydia would be exactly as described, with columns, men and women’s changing rooms, and a font. The project completed in 1974 and was inaugurated at the end of the same year. Since then, it has become a focal point for Christians worldwide, a pilgrimage site for the descendants of the Philippians, a sacred place of prayer, and a hallowed place of worship sanctified by the Apostles.

It precisely serves the liturgical and pastoral needs of the local and universal Church, connecting locally with the early Christian monuments of neighboring Philippi.

Saint Lydia’s Baptistry church testifies to the apostolic roots of our faith, confirming the steadfast and unchanging liturgical practice of our Church, through which Jesus Christ is glorified, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13.

⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Saint Lydia’s Baptistry: Philippi tours

Our biblical Philippi private day trips can accommodate your small group in one of our minivans (max 6 guests), or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (max 12 guests). We may start your private tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki hotels or from Kavala and Thessaloniki Port for our guests from U.S.A, Canada and Australia arriving via cruise ship. We also pick up from the SKG Thessaloniki International Airport or Airbnb Vacation Rental for a small fee.

Flexible itinerary with plenty of stops along the way to and from Philippi. For our Philippi pilgrimage tour, we may start your tour from any location, including all Thessaloniki or Kavala hotels or from Kavala and Thessaloniki Port for our guests arriving via cruise ship.

Saint Lydia’s Baptistry: Your chauffeur and local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available licensed tour guides for Philippi archaeological site upon request at an extra cost.

Saint Lydia’s Baptistry: Availability & rates

For more info (availability – rates) on our Philippi biblical day trips from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp available.

For more information on our Thessaloniki, day trips please contact us or simply call Michael at +306976888113 WhatsApp & Viber available. In addition, SKG Thessaloniki Airport pickups available upon request.