Bethlehem
Main Altar with Orthodox iconostasis in the Basilica of the Nativity. The Byzantine Building is still standing from before 500 AD. While the Persians destroyed most of the Christian churches built before then, they spared this one, recognizing their culture and race in icons depicting the three kings. Luke 2: 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, 5 To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child. |
Catholic Altar Mathew 2: 11 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. |
Place of Jesus' Birth. An Orthodox Altar. Luke 2: 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. |
Place of Jesus' Manger. A Catholic Altar. The manger is in Rome. Luke 2: 7...and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. |
Adjacent inn that rejected the Holy Family. |
Adjacent Crypt Church, a place of catacombs. |
Tomb of St. Jerome.
St. Jerome lived adjacent to the site of the Nativity, translating books of the old and new testament to latin, where the word made flesh was born. His body was taken to Rome by the Crusaders. |
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