Paul the Apostle

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Paul the Apostle is the patron saint of Corinth and Kavala and the founder of the Greek Church. Part of his holy relics are kept in the monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos.

Paul was born in Tarsus, Cilicia. A Pharisee by upbringing, he came from the tribe of Benjamin. At birth he was given the name Saul.

At first Paul was a vehement persecutor of Christianity. He even assisted the executioners of Stephen the First Martyr by holding their cloaks while they stoned him.

Around AD 36 Paul went to Damascus to arrest the Christians there. On his way he was suddenly blinded by a sudden bright light, whereupon he heard the voice of God: "Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?" Christ then told him to go to Ananias, who healed him of his blindness and baptized him. Thus, his conversion happened, after which Paul became the greatest preacher of the gospel.

He was called the Apostle to the Gentiles because of his four great apostolic journeys. He wrote the 14 epistles that are part of the New Testament. His struggle to spread the gospel is evident in his deeds and in the epistles he left behind. Paul the apostle proclaims: "It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). That is, it is no longer I, the old man, who live, but Christ lives in me. And further, "Christ is all and in all" (Colossians 3:11).

He participated in the Apostolic Council, which abolished the Law of Moses and circumcision and opened the door of faith to the gentiles.

According to tradition, Paul was martyred by beheading in Rome between AD 64 and 67.

He preached in Jerusalem, Antioch, Asia Minor, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Rome, France, Spain, and other places.

His memory is commemorated along with that of Peter the Apostle on June 29.