Massive Old Icon of Saint Apostle Paul. Large and massive icon, hand-painted on wood. Saint Apostle Paul is one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, often called the "Apostle to the Gentiles". Although he was not among the first twelve disciples of Jesus, his role in spreading the faith and shaping Christian theology is enormous. He was born as Saul in the city of Tarsus (Asia Minor), into a Jewish family of the tribe of Benjamin and held Roman citizenship. Initially, he was a zealous persecutor of Christians. His life changed radically after a mystical encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, which led to his baptism. Paul undertook four major journeys, during which he founded Christian communities in Asia Minor, Greece and Rome. It is believed that he initiated Christianity in Europe, first preaching in Philippi (present-day Greece).