Bethlehem (House of Bread) - the largest Christian city in Palestine. In 1948 it was approximately 40% Christian - in 1967 many left.
The Church of the Nativity, a basilica, was commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother, Helena, over the site that is still traditionally believed to be the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. It was destroyed in the 6th century, then rebuilt and restored to the original design by Justinian (Byzantine Emperor) is exactly as it was designed by Helena. It has since been expanded to include the bell towers. It is located in Bethlehem, Palestinian territory.
During Christmas festivities and worship, Nativity Square is filled to capacity - this is the location we see when aired on television.
The 4th picture above shows how the entrance to the church was reduced to prevent enemies on horseback from entering and for that matter - anyone entering needs to crouch down and gingerly walk under the reduced archway.
The first marble floor with the star and glass portal under the red brocade drape is a viewing spot to see the cave where Jesus was born. The second is the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
We were told that the two chandeliers contain the crowns of Czar Nicholas and his wife.
The Church of the Nativity, a basilica, was commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother, Helena, over the site that is still traditionally believed to be the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. It was destroyed in the 6th century, then rebuilt and restored to the original design by Justinian (Byzantine Emperor) is exactly as it was designed by Helena. It has since been expanded to include the bell towers. It is located in Bethlehem, Palestinian territory.
During Christmas festivities and worship, Nativity Square is filled to capacity - this is the location we see when aired on television.
The 4th picture above shows how the entrance to the church was reduced to prevent enemies on horseback from entering and for that matter - anyone entering needs to crouch down and gingerly walk under the reduced archway.
The first marble floor with the star and glass portal under the red brocade drape is a viewing spot to see the cave where Jesus was born. The second is the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
We were told that the two chandeliers contain the crowns of Czar Nicholas and his wife.