MaltaPost plc is issuing a set of stamps which reproduce titular statues of the Apostle Paul, to mark the year dedicated to the saint.

The stamps, designed by Paul Psaila, have a face value of e0.19 (Lm0.08), e0.68 (Lm0.29), and e1.08 (Lm0.46). The set also incorporates a miniature sheet with a face value of e3 (Lm1.29). The stamps are 44.0 mm x 31.0 mm in size, with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.), while the miniature sheet is 120 mm x 86 mm in size, and the stamp size 44.0 mm x 31.0mm, and perforation 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.). The stamps are offset printed on Maltese Crosses watermarked paper by Printex Limited, and are available in sheets of 10.

The year of St. Paul, or Annus Paulinus, is being celebrated in the second millennium from the birth of St Paul, which historians put at between the year 7 and 10 Anno Domini. The year of St. Paul will commence on 28 June, 2008 and end on 29 June, 2009.

The four titular statues reproduced on stamps are found in Safi (e0.19), Munxar (e0.68), Rabat, Malta (e1.08) and in Valletta (e3.00).

The stamps are available as First Day Covers, in mint or cancelled format, and as Souvenir Folders and Presentation Packs. For this occasion, MaltaPost will also be issuing a Commemorative Folder in a limited quantity of 7,500, including all stamps incorporated in a special folder for this unique event, and information and illustrations on the titular statues and their respective churches.

The stamps will be on sale from Saturday at all MaltaPost postal branches in Malta and Gozo, the MaltaPost Mobile Unit, and the Philatelic Bureau (305, Triq Hal Qormi, Marsa, tel. 2596-1740, e-mail [email protected]). Additional information on this and other issues is available on the MaltaPost website www.maltapost.com.