The 32nd International Scientific and Theological Conference, titled "Apostle Paul and Baptism," has opened in the Greek city of Veria as the centerpiece of the annual Pavlia 2026 celebrations honoring the Apostle Paul, whom the Church of Greece regards as its founder.

The conference, taking place from June 26 to 29, brings together Orthodox hierarchs, theologians, clergy, and scholars to examine the theological significance of Baptism in the writings of the Apostle Paul, its role in the life of the Church, and its relevance for contemporary Orthodox theology.

Delegations representing the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Georgia are participating in the forum, alongside representatives of the Orthodox Churches of Cyprus, Greece, Poland, and Albania.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate is represented by Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden, while other delegations include Bishop Damaskinos of Mareotis for the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis for the Patriarchate of Antioch, Metropolitan Kyriakos of Nazareth for the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Bishop Dosifey of Lipljan for the Serbian Orthodox Church, Bishop Nicodim of Severin and Strehaia for the Romanian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Seraphim of Nevrokop for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and Bishop Grigory of Agarak-Tsalka for the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The conference opened at the Veria Municipal Arts Center with Byzantine hymns dedicated to the Apostle Paul, performed by a choir of Byzantine chanters. Messages of greeting from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria, and Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem were read during the opening session, while messages from other primates of the Local Orthodox Churches are expected to be presented during the remaining sessions.

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria formally inaugurated the conference, emphasizing that this year's theme focuses on the theological understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism in the teaching of the Apostle Paul, who, following his conversion on the road to Damascus, became the first of the apostles to receive baptism in the name of Christ.

Romanian Patriarch Daniel also sent a message to participants, describing the Pavlia conference as one of the largest international theological forums in the Orthodox world, bringing together bishops, clergy, and scholars to study the legacy of the Apostle Paul.

The annual Pavlia celebrations commemorate the Apostle Paul's missionary work in Veria during his second missionary journey and have become one of the most significant ecclesiastical events organized by the Metropolis of Veria of the Church of Greece.