Temple of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Miracles of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

One of the most important shrines of Christians is the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. He will be raised at the birthplace of the Savior himself. Annually in this ancient city a lot of pilgrims flock. In addition to the cave, where Maria and Joseph stayed in Bethlehem after arriving, here you can see the Shepherd's Field, the Milk Grotto and some other sights.

Evangelical 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, together with her husband Joseph, departed from Nazareth, where they lived, to the city of Bethlehem, not far from Jerusalem. They did this because the then Roman emperor ordered a census of the population. Therefore, every citizen of the country had to come to the city where he was born. Maria'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 shepherds sheltered from the weather of sheep. Here Jesus Christ was born. It was here that the shepherds first came to worship the future savior, and then the Magi.

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 seasons. Of course, the pagan temple on the birthplace of the founder of the new religion, from the point of view of Christian believers, is not very good. However, it was thanks to this structure that the Bethlehem cave was preserved for descendants.

The construction of the temple

After a couple of centuries, a small Christian basilica was placed above the cave in which the Savior was born. It was built in 339 by Elena, mother of the Emperor of Byzantium Constantine the Great, after visiting these places with a holy pilgrimage. A small building with a conical roof was built right above the cave. Above it, an opening was made in it. Through it, pilgrims could inspect the birthplace of Christ.

History of the temple

Very strongly the first temple suffered during the Samaritan uprising. It was restored in about 550th century by the Emperor Julian. During the reconstruction it was significantly expanded. In addition, it was the so-called Holy Nativity - descent into the cave itself.

In 1717, the place where Jesus was born was marked by a 14-ray star, which became the symbol of Bethlehem. Above, they wrote: "Here the Virgin Mary gave birth to Christ." Above it, in our day, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated every day. Especially for this purpose, a marble throne has been built here. Next to it is a descent into the manger, into which Mary laid the Savior after birth.

The Church of the Nativity of Christ (Bethlehem), photo of which you can see on the page - is an ancient building with a very interesting history. According to this legend, during the invasion of the Persians (in the 12th century) only this small church survived in the country. The conquerors did not destroy it because the Magi were painted on its walls. They took them for the priests of the Zoroastrian sun god. This accidental salvation of the temple is considered one of the wonders 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 of Christ in Bethlehem is of great interest not only for believers, but also for historians. For example, here still survive fragments of the floor Byzantine mosaic, and the ceiling supports columns of the time of Justinian. The latter are made of sandstone and polished so artfully that they seem marble. Wall mosaics and paintings on columns were made in 1143-1180. Very well preserved fragments of 11 Ecumenical Councils.

Established in front of the altar, Amvon dates from the time of the Crusaders (12-13 centuries). It has historical value and the iconostasis of this ancient temple. Made it in Greece in the 18th century. The Panikadyl were donated to the church by the Russian emperors Nikolai II and Alexander III. Bells in the church are also Russian.

Field Shepherds

Of course, the Nativity Church is truly a huge interest for Orthodox believers. However, no less popular are some other attractions of Bethlehem. Not far from the temple is another pretty interesting church. On the spot where once the shepherds saw shining angels, who announced the birth of a divine baby, the same queen Elena built a small church. However, it was later destroyed. The underground church remained untouched and still operates today. On the field next to him grow trees, some of which have been preserved here, according to legend, since the time of Christ.

Dungeon Infants

The 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 bones of babies are buried. According to legend, King Herod ordered to kill them, who was angry with the sages who told him about 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 is, Elena sent an embroidered robe to the Bethlehem rabbi. The grateful priest showed her the place of burial. Learning about where the grave of children, Elena placed above it a tomb.

Milk grotto

Near the temple is also the so-called Milk Grotto. It belongs to the Catholic Church. According to legend, it was in this place that the Mother of God nursed Christ. One drop of milk fell to the ground, and the rock at once acquired a white color. 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 nursing Jesus.

Gates of Humility

At the moment the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem refers to the Greek Orthodox confession. Like all the churches of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem , it is very beautifully removed. The main entrance to it is called the Gates of Humility. During the Middle Ages, two entrances to the temple were immured, and the main one was greatly reduced in height. This was done so that inside could not get the enemy riders. Since then, at the entrance to the temple, believers are forced to bend over. Hence the name of the main gate.

Miracle of salvation from the Arabs

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a historical monument, of which there is another very interesting legend. On one of the columns in this church there are several indentations forming a cross. It is believed that these are traces of a miracle that occurred in the church many centuries ago. One day, during one of their sudden raids, the Arabs broke into the temple. There was nowhere to wait for the help of the people in it. And then they began to pray. And their requests were heard. From one of the columns a swarm of wasps flew out and began to sting the Arabs and their horses. As a result, the invaders had to leave the temple and leave the people who were in it alone.

Orthodox churches are available in many countries of the world. And everywhere they amaze with their magnificent decoration and manifested people miracles. The Bethlehem temple is no exception in this respect. This ancient basilica, of course, is of great interest for both believers and historians.