Veria the 4th path next Thessalonica

During the night, Paul and Silas left with the help of Christians for Veria. They walked for a while on Egnatia Road and changed their route close to Pella, crossing a lush green fruitful and beautiful area.Veria was a very busy city with great population and had a flourishing synagogue. As soon as they got there, Paul and Silas visited the synagogue. It is also said that the Jews of Veria were more polite than those in Thessalonica and heard with great interest Paul preaching the Holy Gospel. Among the attendants were people from the upper classes of Veria, Hebrews and converts and a great number of women.But soon, the news about Paul’s activities were spread in Thessalonica. Their enemies from Thessalonica sent people to Veria to provoke turmoil. Immediately his companions took the Apostle away from Veria. Timothy and Silas remained in Veria. As a gift in return Veria gave to the Apostle of the Nations a new companion. He was Sopatros, son of Pyrrhus, who accompanied him for a long time after his return to Asia.

The spot in Veria where it is said that Paul stood and preached, the so called “Apostle Paul’s Podium” is now an imposing monument. Since 1995, a series of religious, cultural and sports events have been established under the name “Pavlia” which end every year with a scientific conference.