ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Jordan have unearthed what they claim is the world's first Christian Church
Pastor Dale Morgan
*ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Jordan have unearthed what they claim is the world's
first Christian Church*
From correspondents in Amman
June 10, 2008 11:16pm
Article from: Agence France-Presse
ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Jordan have unearthed what they claim is the world's
first Christian church, dating back almost 2000 years, according to a
report in The Jordan Times.
"We have uncovered what we believe to be the first church in the world,
dating from 33 AD to 70 AD," said the head of Jordan's Rihab Centre for
Archaeological Studies, Abdul Qader al-Husan.
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," Mr 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.
Mr Husan 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.
Rihab is home to a total of 30 churches and Jesus and the Virgin Mary
are believed to have passed through the area, Mr Husan said.