One of the most important shrines of Christians is the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It was erected at the birthplace of the Savior himself. Many pilgrims flock to this ancient city every year. In addition to the cave where Mary and Joseph stopped on their arrival in Bethlehem, here you can see the Shepherds Field, Milk Grotto and some other attractions.
Gospel Events
According to the Old Testament, Christ was born in 5508 from the creation of the world. When Mary was carrying the Savior in her womb, she and her husband Joseph went from Nazareth, where they lived, to the city of Bethlehem, located near Jerusalem. They did this because the then Roman emperor ordered a census. Therefore, every citizen of the country had to arrive in the city where he was born. Mary's husband was from Bethlehem.
Arriving in the city, the Mother of God and Joseph did not find a place in the hotel. Therefore, they were forced to stop in a cave on the outskirts, where the shepherds sheltered frombad weather sheep. This is where Jesus Christ was born. It was here that the shepherds and then the magi came to bow to the future savior.
Roman Sanctuary
Of course, Catholic and Orthodox churches began to be built in Jerusalem and Bethlehem much later than the crucifixion and ascension of Christ. In the second century, the Romans erected a temple dedicated to Adonis over his birthplace. This god, along with Persephone, was considered the personification of the change of seasons. Of course, a pagan temple at the birthplace of the founder of a new religion, from the point of view of believing Christians, is not very good. However, it was thanks to this construction that the Bethlehem cave was preserved for posterity.
Building a temple
After a couple of centuries, a small Christian basilica was erected over the cave in which the Savior was born. It was erected in 339 by Helen, the mother of the emperor of Byzantium, Constantine the Great, after visiting these places on a holy pilgrimage. Directly above the cave was built a small building with a conical roof. From above, they made an opening in it. Through it, pilgrims could view the birthplace of Christ.
Temple History
The first temple was badly damaged during the Samaritan rebellion. It was restored around the 550th century by Emperor Julian. During the reconstruction, it was significantly expanded. In addition, the so-called Holy nativity scene was arranged in it - a descent into the cave itself.
In 1717, the place where Jesus was born was marked with a 14-ray star, which became the symbol of Bethlehem. Top appliedinscription: "Here the Virgin Mary gave birth to Christ." Today, the Divine Liturgy is performed over it every day. Especially for this, a marble throne was assembled here. Next to it is a descent into the manger, in which Mary placed the Savior after birth.
The Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem), the photo of which you can see on the page, is an ancient building with a very interesting history. According to this legend, during the Persian invasion (in the 12th century), only this small church survived in the country. The conquerors did not begin to destroy it due to the fact that magi were painted on its walls. They mistook them for the priests of the Zoroastrian sun god. This accidental salvation of the temple is considered one of the miracles of Christianity. At the moment, the basilica above the cave of the Savior is the oldest church in Palestine.
Historical value
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is of great interest not only for believers, but also for historians. For example, fragments of Byzantine floor mosaics are still preserved here, and the ceiling is supported by columns from the time of Justinian. The latter are made of sandstone and polished so skillfully that they look like marble. Wall mosaics and paintings on the columns were made in 1143-1180. Fragments of 11 Ecumenical Councils are very well preserved.
The Pulpit set in front of the altar dates back to the time of the Crusaders (12th-13th centuries). The iconostasis of this ancient temple also has historical value. It was made in Greece in the 18th century. Chandeliers were donated to the temple by Russian emperorsNicholas II and Alexander III. The bells in the church are also Russian.
Shepherds Field
Of course, the Church of the Nativity is truly of great interest to Orthodox believers. However, some other attractions of Bethlehem are no less popular. Not far from the temple is another rather interesting church. In the place where the shepherds once saw shining angels announcing the birth of a divine baby, the same Queen Helen built a small church. However, it was later destroyed. The underground temple remained untouched and operates to this day. Trees grow in the field next to it, some of which, according to legend, have been preserved here since the time of Christ.
Baby Dungeon
Pilgrims visit not only the temple in Bethlehem, but also another very interesting Christian shrine. Near the southern entrance to the basilica is a staircase leading to a cave in which the bones of infants are buried. According to legend, they were ordered to be killed by King Herod, who was angry with the wise men, who informed him of the birth of Christ, but did not say exactly where it happened. Once these children were buried in Bethlehem. In order to find out where their grave was, Elena sent an embroidered robe to the Bethlehem rabbi. A grateful priest showed her the place of burial. Upon learning where the children's grave was, Elena placed a tomb over it.
Milk Grotto
Next to the temple is also the so-called Milk Grotto. It belongs to the Catholicchurches. According to legend, it was at this place that the Mother of God nursed Christ. One drop of milk fell on the ground, and the rock immediately turned white. This is the second widely known miracle of the temple in Bethlehem. In the Milk Grotto, among other things, you can look at the icon of the Mother of God feeding Jesus.
Gate of Humility
At the moment, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem belongs to the Greek Orthodox denomination. Like all churches of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, it is very beautifully decorated. The main entrance to it is called the Gate of Humility. During the Middle Ages, two entrances to the temple were walled up, and the main one was greatly reduced in height. This was done so that enemy horsemen could not get inside. Since then, when entering the temple, believers are forced to bend down. Hence the name of the main gate.
The miracle of salvation from the Arabs
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a historical monument, about which there is another very interesting legend. On one of the columns in this church there are several depressions that form a cross. It is believed that these are traces of a miracle that happened in the temple many centuries ago. One day, during one of their surprise raids, the Arabs broke into the temple. There was nowhere to wait for help for the people in it. And then they began to pray. And their prayers were heard. A swarm of wasps suddenly flew out of one of the columns and began to sting the Arabs and their horses. As a result, the invaders had to leave the temple and leave the people inside alone.
Orthodox churches are available in many countries of the world. And everywhere they strikewith its magnificent decoration and miracles revealed to people. The Bethlehem temple is no exception in this regard. This ancient basilica is certainly of great interest to both believers and historians.
