Lydia of Thyatira

Lydia of Philippi, who came from Thyatira in Asia Minor, was a seller of purple, which started the Apostle Paul of Tarsus and his companion Silas, and was baptized, and her household. Lydia is mentioned in the Book of Acts (Acts 16:14-15 ). She was from Thyatira (now Akhisar ) in Asia Minor and was probably part of those so-called God-fearing Greeks, who went as non-Jews in the synagogues and there listening in worship.

Biblical testimony

  • Acts 16:14:
  • Acts 16.40:

Lydia was therefore the first person on European soil ( in the city of Philippi ), which adopted the Christian faith. She urged not only Paul and Silas to stay in her home, but it seems, according to verse 40 and then on the Christian community to have gathered in her home. In Philippians, Paul mentions the special financial assistance from this community, which is also credited Lydia. Thus it is generally given a prominent position between patron and community leader.

Worship

Lydia is venerated in the Orthodox and Catholic churches as a saint. Your feast day is August 3rd, and it is regarded as the patron saint of dyers.

Even in Protestant churches it is considered as memorable faith witness. So her feast day is in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America January 27 and in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod of October 25. In Germany, several Protestant congregations are named after her, for example, in Berlin, Dortmund, Bielefeld and frets.

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