The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Apolytikion of the Forefeast of Nativity: Make ready, O Bethlehem. Eden has opened unto all. O Ephratha, prepare thyself, for now, behold, the Tree of life has blossomed forth in the cave from the holy virgin. Her womb has proved a true spiritual paradise, wherein the divine and saving Tree is found; and as we eat from it we shall all live, and not die as did Adam. For Christ is born now to raise the image that had fallen.

Constructed at the location of Christ's birth, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

Christianity was declared a lawful religion by Constantine in AD 313. After the Council of Nicaea in 325, Constantine ordered Bishop Makarios of Jerusalem to build three churches of the greatest magnificence, one at Bethlehem honouring the Nativity, a second in Jerusalem marking the Resurrection and the third on the Mount of Olives to commemorate Christ's Ascension.

The original structure was badly damaged in the Samaritan revolt of 529. The Patriarch of Jerusalem sent St. Sabas to the Emperor Justinian for help, andthe architect sent by the Emperor built the current church atop the ruins. New soil covered the mosaic floor built in 326, and a new pavement was laid at a higher level.

A century later, Patriarch Sophronius of Jerusalem described the church:

I would go with a heart filled
With all the fervour of holy love
To the little town of Bethlehem
Where the King of all things was born.

With my heart dancing I would enter
Those most sacred halls,
The four most admirable arcades
And the elegant three-fold apse.

Gazing at the numerous pillars
Gleaming with gold, a work
Decorated with marvellous art,
I would dispel the clouds of care.

I would gaze at the coffered ceiling
With its brilliant stars of gold:
From these marvels of works of art
The grace of the heavens shines forth.

– Sophronios, Anacreontica

In 638, Caliph Omar at the head of the Muslim armies conquered Palestine. The caliph respected the church’s sanctity, and Muslims were permitted to pray in the south aisle, a right that has been maintained to the present day.

The Church of the Nativity is administered by a coalition of Roman Catholic and Orthodox clerics. It is actually a combination of two churches, in addition to the cave where the Lord was born:

The main church (the basilica) is in the care of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem. It is designed like a classic Roman basilica, with three aisles and an apse. It featured golden mosaics covering the side walls, a large iconostasis, and a complex array of lamps throughout the entire church.

The adjoining Roman Catholic church is built in a more modern Gothic revival style, and has since been further modernized according to the liturgical trends after Vatican II.

Due to the rising ground level, like many ancient sites, the cave itself now lies underground. Two flights of steps from two sides lead down to the cave and meet at the Altar of the Nativity, the site where Christ was born. In all there are three altars in the cave, dedicated to the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi and the Manger.

The floor beneath is encased in white marble, where, fitted into the paving, shines a 14 pointed silver star marking the spot, surrounded by a Latin inscription, Hic de virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est. (Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary).

What shall we offer Thee O Christ, who for our sake hast appeared on earth as man? Every creature made by Thee offers Thee thanks. The angels offer Thee a hymn; the heavens, a star; the Magi, gifts; the shepherds, their wonder; the earth, its cave; the wilderness, the manger; and we offer Thee a virgin mother.