Портал «Омофор» — православные образовательные курсы и материалы

# The Church of the Nativity of Christ

The Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem is an ancient basilica, built over the cave where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was born. The church was built in the 4th century and is considered one of the oldest functioning places of worship in the world. It is a major pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the world. The church is architecturally significant due to its unique combination of Byzantine, Roman, and Early Christian architectural styles. It is also renowned for its beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and intricate stonework. The church has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the centuries, but it remains an important symbol of the Christian faith and a testament to the rich history of the region.

The church is located in the heart of the Old City of Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Palestine. It is surrounded by a compound that includes several other buildings, including a Franciscan monastery, a mosque, and a museum. The compound is managed jointly by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic Churches, reflecting the diversity of the Christian community in the region.

The interior of the church is divided into three naves, with the central nave leading to the main altar, located above the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born. The altar is decorated with intricate mosaics and gold-plated icons, and it is surrounded by a railing that allows pilgrims to touch the stone slab believed to mark the spot where Jesus was born. The side naves contain various chapels and shrines dedicated to different saints and biblical figures.

The church is also renown