Saint Lydia of Philippi — Firstborn of the Church in Europe

Commemorated on June 2


Today the Holy Orthodox Church honours Saint Lydia of Philippi, the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe, whose faith and hospitality mark the dawn of the Gospel’s journey across the continent.
Saint Lydia was a seller of purple cloth, a luxury product in the ancient world, and came from the city of Thyatira in Asia Minor — a place known for its dyeing industry. At the time of her encounter with the Apostle Paul, she had relocated to the Roman colony of Philippi, in the region of Macedonia (modern-day northern Greece). Though a Gentile, Lydia is described in the Book of Acts as a “worshipper of God” (Acts 16:14), a term used for Gentiles who revered the God of Israel and followed Jewish customs, though not formally converted
Saint Paul, having received a vision calling him to “come over into Macedonia, and help us,” crossed from Asia into Europe and arrived at Philippi. On the Sabbath, he went outside the city gate to a riverside place of prayer, where he found a group of women. There he began to speak of Christ.


Among those listening was Lydia, whose heart the Lord opened to receive the apostolic word. Moved by the Gospel, she was baptized, along with her entire household, becoming the first Christian in Europe. Her baptism marked a turning point in the mission of the Church — the opening of a new chapter in the history of salvation.

Lydia’s response to her newfound faith was immediate and generous. She invited Paul and his companions — Silas, Timothy, and Luke — to stay in her home, saying, “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there” (Acts 16:15). Her home thus became the first “house church” in Europe, and she herself became a true mother in the faith — through her hospitality, the Gospel took root in Philippi.

Later in the same chapter, we read that after Paul and Silas were miraculously freed from prison, they returned to Lydia’s house to find comfort and fellowship. Her home was a place of Christian gathering and strength.

Though we do not know much about the rest of Saint Lydia’s earthly life, the fruit of her conversion is evident: a Christian community flourished in Philippi, later receiving Paul’s warm and personal Epistle to the Philippians. Lydia is venerated not only as the first European Christian, but also as a model of attentive listening, humble obedience, and loving hospitality.

Her example is especially meaningful in an age when Christian faith in Europe often feels like a flickering flame. Like Lydia, may we keep our hearts open to the voice of the Apostles, the teaching of the Church, and the grace of the Holy Spirit — and may our homes, like hers, be places where Christ is welcomed and honoured.


Apolytikion of Saint Lydia
Plagal of Fourth Tone
Ἡ τοῦ Παύλου μαθητρία καὶ τῆς Ἐκκλησίας φωστήρ,
ἡ Λυδία ἡ μακαρία, ὡς ἐδέξατο τὸν Λόγον,
καὶ τὸν οἶκον ἔστησεν ἐκκλησίαν Κυρίου·
διὸ πρέσβευε, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.


Troparion in English
O blessed Lydia, disciple of Paul and light of the Church,
you received the Word and made your house a temple of the Lord.
Wherefore intercede with Christ our God,
that our souls may be saved.