Major nternational forum on the legacy of Apostle Paul opens in Greece
The 32nd International Academic Symposium Paulia has opened in Veria, bringing together representatives of Local Orthodox Churches and theologians from around the world.
The Greek city of Veria has hosted the ceremonial opening of the XXXII International Academic Conference “Apostle Paul and Baptism,” held as part of the annual Paulia celebrations. This was reported by the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The forum officially opened on June 26, 2026, at the Veria Municipal Arts Center. Representatives of the ancient Patriarchates and Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, along with scholars and professors from theological institutions, took part in the event. Before the opening session, a Byzantine choir performed hymns in honor of the Apostle Paul, who is venerated as the founder of the local Church.
Messages from the Primates of the Orthodox Churches, including the Patriarchs of Constantinople and Jerusalem, were read during the opening ceremony. In their greetings, they emphasized the significance of the apostolic teaching and the role of Baptism as the foundation of Christian life. Regional officials and representatives of the academic community also addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of theological dialogue.
Opening the conference, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria noted that this year’s forum is dedicated to a theological reflection on Baptism in the teaching of the Holy Apostle Paul. In his address, the hierarch recalled Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus and his Baptism, stressing that through this event the future Apostle to the Gentiles experienced spiritual rebirth.
According to Metropolitan Panteleimon, for the Apostle Paul Baptism is inseparably linked to Christ’s death and Resurrection, a person’s entrance into the Church, and new life in Christ.
“One Lord, one faith, one Baptism,” the metropolitan quoted from the Apostle Paul, emphasizing that through the Sacrament a person is united with Christ and becomes a child of God.
The first day of the conference featured presentations on the understanding of Baptism in early Christianity, Baptism in the theology of the Apostle Paul, and the theme of Baptism by water and the Holy Spirit.
Participants include representatives of the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Georgia, as well as the Orthodox Churches of Cyprus, Greece, Poland, and Albania.
As the UOJ previously reported, a conference on the threat of ecumenism to the Church was recently held in Athens.
