PalestineRaza AkhtarMay 09, 2019Bethlehem, Palestine, Church of Nativity, Birth Place of Jesus, Milk GrottoComment

Bethlehem

PalestineRaza AkhtarMay 09, 2019Bethlehem, Palestine, Church of Nativity, Birth Place of Jesus, Milk GrottoComment

Church of Nativity, Bethlehem.

The basilica is the oldest major church in the Holy Land and the grotto in the church is recognized as the oldest site continuously used as a place of worship in Christianity. The church that stands today was built in 530 by Roman empror Justinain.

Orthodox Iconostasis

The Orthodox Iconostasis on the high alter in the Church of Nativity

The door of humility

called as such because all visitors had to disembark from their horses to get inside. The entrance to the church was created in Ottoman times to prevent carts from being driven in by looters

The Grotto of Nativity

The altar and star of nativity mark the exact spot where Jesus was believed to have been born. The 14-pointed silver star is encased in a marble floor. Assorted icons, paintings, crosses and lamps decorate the grotto, each left behind by a different time period and nationality.

The star was stolen in 1846 and started the conflict between France and Russia that evolved into the Crimean war.

Shrine of Milk Grotto

According to tradition, while Mary and Joseph were fleeing Herod’s soldiers on their way to Egypt, they stopped in this cave while Mary nursed the baby Jesus. A drop of Mary’s milk fell upon the stone and it turned white.