Ancient Church Remains Found

Israeli dig uncovers what's believed to be oldest place of worship in the Holy Land

In a report by Michele Green/Ecumenical News International, Israeli archaeologists digging near a prison have discovered the remains of what they believe could be the oldest church ever found in the Holy Land. Experts say the discovery may shed new light on early Christianity.

The structure was found in Megiddo, Lower Galilee, near a site traditionally believed to be the “Armageddon” described in the New Testament Book of Revelation, the site of the prophesied final battle between good and evil.

The church, which dates approximately to the third century A.D., was discovered during a dig on the grounds of the Megiddo Prison, where Israel keeps hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners and ordinary convicts. It was discovered by inmates detailed to work in the excavation.

The small, rectangular building lacks the characteristics of later churches, but contains mosaics said to be breathtaking, including one of a fish design. It also contains a Greek inscription mentioning a woman called Ekeptos who “donated this table to the God Jesus Christ in commemoration.”

The building is believed to be one of the oldest Christian holy sites in the region. Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, on the traditional site of the crucifixion, dates to about AD 330, but maintains only scant remains of the original structure.

Christian scholars say the building could provide a wealth of information on Christianity in the Holy Land in the first two centuries after the crucifixion.