It is located under the pulpit of the temple (basilica) The Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. The birthplace of Christ is marked by a silver star, which is embedded in the floor and was once gilded and decorated with precious stones. The star has 14 rays and symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, inside there is an inscription in Latin in a circle:"Jesus Christ was born here from the Virgin Mary." Above this star, in a semicircular niche, there are 16 lamps, of which 6 belong to the Orthodox, 6 to Armenians and 4 to Catholics.Behind these lamps, small Orthodox icons are placed in a semicircle on the wall of the niche. Two more small glass lamps just stand on the floor, just behind the star, against the wall. There is an Orthodox marble throne directly above the Nativity scene. Only Orthodox and Armenians have the right to celebrate the Liturgy on this throne. In front, the throne is supported by two small marble columns, and small fragments of Byzantine mosaics have been preserved in the niche above it. At a time when there is no service, the throne is closed with a special removable grille. Six small Orthodox icons are mounted on the wall behind the throne. In the southern part of the cave, to the left of the entrance, there is a Manger chapel. This is the only part of the cave that is run by Catholics.It resembles a small chapel measuring about 2 x 2 m, or slightly more, the floor level in it is two steps lower than in the main part of the cave.In this chapel, to the right of the entrance, there is a place of a Manger where Christ was laid after birth. Actually, the manger is a feeder for pets, which was in a cave, and the Blessed Virgin Mary used them as a cradle out of necessity. The inner part of the Manger was taken as a great shrine to Rome, to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where it is known under the names Sacra culla, Cunambulum or Praesepe.This was done in the middle of the seventh century. a few years after the capture of the Holy Land by Muslims, perhaps in order to prevent the desecration of the shrine. The same part of the Manger that remained in Bethlehem was lined with marble and now represents a recess in the floor, arranged in the form of a cradle, over which five inextinguishable lamps are burning. Behind these lamps, against the wall, there is a small image depicting the worship of the shepherds of Bethlehem to the Baby.In the chapel of the Manger, to the left of the entrance to it, there is a Catholic throne of the Adoration of the Magi. The altarpiece located here depicts the adoration of the Magi to Christ. The ancient silver and gilt star was stolen in 1847 (it is unknown by whom, but most likely by the Turks). This theft became a new reason for mutual resentment between Orthodox Greeks and Catholics and even partially awakened the "question of Holy places" in 1848.The star, which can be seen now, was made according to the exact model of the ancient one and strengthened in 1847 by order of Sultan Abdul-Majid I and at his expense. When visiting the holy places of the Promised Land, only one word can be said - GRACE...You experience the same feelings when visiting our shrines...

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Лука Крокан

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Very beautiful. History is rich in this land

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Grotto of the Nativity

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