St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Athens, Greece, is a stunningly aesthetic edifice of immense historic importance. It is a renowned landmark placed at the bustling junction of Filellinon and Amalias streets, opposite the National Botanical Garden. Constructed in the gothic format of the early 19th century and devoted on palm Sunday in 1843, it is an architectural relic with incredible acoustics and a church organ — the oldest working organ in Greece.
At St. Paul’s Anglican Church (Athens), many occurrences take place every week. Every Sunday, a heterogeneous collection of persons, totaling 85, from distinct beliefs gather to celebrate the holy eucharist. Visitors are often welcomed to join the congregation. In addition, the church’s acoustics are remarkable and one of the best organs in the city is found there. Musical evenings are held regularly, featuring performances from musicians of both national and international renown, with a variety of musical styles.
The Anglican communion is one of the biggest christian organizations on the planet, second only to the Roman catholic church. It’s present in 164 nations and has more than 70 million members. The archbishop Canterbury serves as the head of this church. In Greece, there are a few Anglican communities, each under the supervision of a European bishop. Here, anglicans interact with the local population on equal terms. Furthermore, they are eager to accept people of other faiths and denominations, especially those not found in Greece. There are also spiritual growth classes and clergy available for prayer, counsel and conversation.
Since 1831, the Anglican church has been a part of Greece, when dr. John Henry Hill, an american philanthropist, initiated the foundation of the current school. In 1836, the reverend Henry Daniel Lives (1789–1845) joined the British foreign and bible society and came to Athens. They purchased a plot near the acropolis, a fifteen-minute stroll away from the Areopagus, where the apostle Paul addressed the citizens of Athens, according to acts 17.22. To commemorate him, a church was built on that place.
Situated almost on the outskirts of the nascent greek capital when consecrated, st. Paul’s Anglican church in Athens is the oldest non-christian church in the city. It has since become a hub of religious devotion, pastoral care, and cultural activities for english-speaking citizens of Athens and visitors. Nowadays, the cathedral is located in the very center of Athens, just a few minutes away from Syntagma square and a short walk from the Acropolis metro station.
Situated in the heart of the city, the notable monument is located near the Greek Jewish museum. A five to seven minute stroll from Syntagma metro station (blue and red lines) is all that is needed to reach the church. Alternatively, buses 040, 165, 209, 227, 790 and trolleybuses 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 15 stop at Filelinon station which is close by. When you disembark, simply go ahead to the first crossroads of Filellinon and Simonidou streets and you will find the church right at the corner.
When it comes to church attendance, it’s best to be dressed in a way that is not overly revealing of your body. Make sure to have your shoulders, chest and legs appropriately covered.
