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Posted on 06/10/2008 7:40:38 AM PDT by Between the Lines
AMMAN (AFP) — Archaeologists in Jordan have unearthed what they claim is the world's first church, dating back almost 2,000 years, The Jordan Times reported on Tuesday.
"We have uncovered what we believe to be the first church in the world, dating from 33 AD to 70 AD," the head of Jordan's Rihab Centre for Archaeological Studies, Abdul Qader al-Husan, said.
He said it was uncovered under Saint Georgeous Church, which itself dates back to 230 AD, in Rihab in northern Jordan near the Syrian border.
"We have evidence to believe this church sheltered the early Christians -- the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ," Husan said.
These Christians, who are described in a mosaic as "the 70 beloved by God and Divine," are said to have fled persecution in Jerusalem and founded churches in northern Jordan, Husan added.
He cited historical sources which suggest they both lived and practised religious rituals in the underground church and only left it after Christianity was embraced by Roman rulers.
The bishop deputy of the Greek Orthodox archdiocese, Archimandrite Nektarious, described the discovery as an "important milestone for Christians all around the world."
Researchers recovered pottery dating back to between the 3rd and 7th centuries, which they say suggests these first Christians and their followers lived in the area until late Roman rule.
Inside the cave there are several stone seats which are believed to have been for the clergy and a circular shaped area, thought to be the apse.
There is also a deep tunnel which is believed to have led to a water source, the archaeologist added.
Rihab is home to a total of 30 churches and Jesus and the Virgin Mary are believed to have passed through the area, Husan said.
Buddhists in this country use the term for social and political reasons, like tax status. But actually the word is specifically Christian other than for particular such purposes when it is used to demonstrate analogy.
At the Dom in Augsburg, the building is intact. the rooms were filled in with dirt. artwork is still present on the walls. Most remarkable find in itself.
Saints Gorgeous and Fabulous! That church must have been “to die for”!
Not to make light of it, but you got me going! ;-)
As a Catholic, I’d be quite surprised taht Rome has the OLDEST church. The primacy of the Church in Rome is that Peter was established the see, not that it’s the oldest church.
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