Church of the Nativity

  • The Church of the Nativity is a Roman Basilica in Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine, which is considered to be the birthplace of Jesus.
  • It was the first Church to be built in the Holy Land, and was dedicated on 31st May 339 CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a site of Pilgrimage in Christianity.

History

  • The Basilica was commissioned by Constantine I in 327 CE, after his mother, Helena, had visited the site.
  • The Grotto of the Nativity located in the crypt is considered to be the birthplace of Jesus.
  • The Catholic Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is broadcast globally from this Church and is attended by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Orhodox Church conducts the same ceremony 13 days later.
  • The Basilica is maintained by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

 

Bethlehem

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