Bethlehem
Bethlehem had always been known as the birth place of our Lord Jesus Christ (Christian's point of view). For me, it used to exist only in bible story books. But this year, I came to know more of Bethlehem. In a sense, it became more "real" as I visited the place last October 23, 2013.
This blog is posted in celebration of Jesus' birth. May the spirit of Christmas bring us love, peace and happiness. God bless!!!
I used to think Bethlehem is a part of Israel - geographically, it is. But like Hong Kong to China, it is governed by Palestine or Palestinian Territories. It belongs to a region called West Bank which has a border separating it from Israel.... This border view was taken near the gate of Rachel's Tomb.
A view of the (Bethlehem) city..
This is the facade of one of the most sacred places in Christianity, the Church of Nativity. Built in 367 AD and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is located over the cave which is traditionally known as the birth place of Jesus of Nazareth.
On top of the Church of Nativity, there could be found three different crosses - representing the three authorities administering the church, the Roman Catholics, the Greek Orthodox and the Armenian Apostolic. This one is the Jerusalem Cross or Crusader's cross belongs to the Greek Orthodox.
The Door of Humility: the tiny Ottoman-era front door is the main entrance into the Church of Nativity. Originally, the entrance was much larger, but the Crusaders reduced its size to prevent attackers from riding in; later, either during the Mamluk or Ottoman period, the portal was made even smaller - you can still see the outline of the original 6th-century door way and, with in it, the pointed Crusader-era arch.
This is the remains of the original 4th century mosaic floor of Constantine's Church of the Nativity.
The iconostasis of the Church of Nativity (the high altar and Greek Orthodox Basilica)
The atmospherically lantern-lit and redolent with mystery, the Grotto of Nativity is where Jesus is said to have been born. This is the 14-point silver star marking the spot.
(Acknowledgment to my fellow IGer @castrooool from whom I got the idea of using repost apps for photos posted on my Instagram account)
This blog is posted in celebration of Jesus' birth. May the spirit of Christmas bring us love, peace and happiness. God bless!!!
BETHLEHEM
I used to think Bethlehem is a part of Israel - geographically, it is. But like Hong Kong to China, it is governed by Palestine or Palestinian Territories. It belongs to a region called West Bank which has a border separating it from Israel.... This border view was taken near the gate of Rachel's Tomb.
A view of the (Bethlehem) city..
CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY
This is the facade of one of the most sacred places in Christianity, the Church of Nativity. Built in 367 AD and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is located over the cave which is traditionally known as the birth place of Jesus of Nazareth.
On top of the Church of Nativity, there could be found three different crosses - representing the three authorities administering the church, the Roman Catholics, the Greek Orthodox and the Armenian Apostolic. This one is the Jerusalem Cross or Crusader's cross belongs to the Greek Orthodox.
The Door of Humility: the tiny Ottoman-era front door is the main entrance into the Church of Nativity. Originally, the entrance was much larger, but the Crusaders reduced its size to prevent attackers from riding in; later, either during the Mamluk or Ottoman period, the portal was made even smaller - you can still see the outline of the original 6th-century door way and, with in it, the pointed Crusader-era arch.
This is the remains of the original 4th century mosaic floor of Constantine's Church of the Nativity.
The iconostasis of the Church of Nativity (the high altar and Greek Orthodox Basilica)
GROTTO OF NATIVITY (STAR OF BETHLEHEM)
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| original photo by pedro dyliacco |
The atmospherically lantern-lit and redolent with mystery, the Grotto of Nativity is where Jesus is said to have been born. This is the 14-point silver star marking the spot.
(Acknowledgment to my fellow IGer @castrooool from whom I got the idea of using repost apps for photos posted on my Instagram account)
posted from Bloggeroid
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