This evangelical Gnostic sect flourished between 650 and 872 in Anatolia. Scholars are still disputing whether they had dualist beliefs or were actually Manichaeans. While the name Paulician is obscure, many believe that this Gnostic sect were followers of St. Paul.

Although the birthplace of the founder of this sect is unknown, some believe that a woman by the name of Kallinike sent her two sons named Paul and John to Armenia. While in Armenia, Paul and John were to propagate the Manichaean religion. However, there is no historical evidence to the existence of these people. Furthermore, even if a young mother had sent her sons to propagate Manichaeism, it is still unknown as to how these boys could have founded an entire religion; seemingly overnight.