Kindred in Christ,

On the first stop on my recent pilgrimage was the baptistery of St. Lydia in Philippi (Φίλιπποι), Greece. Near the ancient, archaeological site of the market (agora) of Philippi is the river that is believed to be the site where Lydia was baptized by the Apostle Paul (Acts 16). On the bank of the river there is an open baptistery in the form of a cross like those preserved in early Christian basilicas. There is also a chapel in honor of St. Lydia near the river. It was quite an experience to receive water and a blessing on our foreheads as we remembered our own baptisms and sank a little deeper into the abundant grace that drew St. Lydia to become a significant part of the early church movement.

St. Lydia, as we will explore further this Sunday, was a self-made woman in a patriarchal world. Commentators tell us that she likely started on the bottom of society and worked her way up from a life of slavery by hustling in the purple textile industry of that time—purple fabrics and clothing were highly sought after by upper society in that time and culture. Along with her financial success, she was also a spiritual seeker. She was drawn to a divine love and grace that she did not have to earn and fight for—unlike everything else in her life. After baptism, St. Lydia opens her home in hospitality for the growing movement in the way of Jesus.

Join us this Sunday, as we explore the story of St. Lydia further and continue in our series, A New Way of Being Human. We will also baptize three people from our own community into the waters of God’s grace! And plan to stick around for a special celebration lunch and cake after service!

Alongside you,

Rev. Paul Ortiz