Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

• Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

Bethlehem - the city where Jesus Christ was born - is preparing for the holidays. Thousands of believers from all over the world come before Christmas in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which was built over the site of Jesus' birth. See photos of the place where Jesus was born.

Orthodox Russian woman praying over a silver star, symbolizing the place of Jesus' birth, which is located in the northern part of the cave.

It is one of the oldest temples in the world. First Church of the Grotto of the Nativity was built in 330-s by Emperor Constantine the Great, and its consecration took place in the 339 th year. Since there is almost never stopped the service.

A nun prays at the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Church of the Nativity was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in June 2012. Church Management is jointly run by the Armenian and Greek monks.

A Palestinian in Bethlehem.

In the main square sign hanging in Bethlehem: "All I want for Christmas - it is justice." In Bethlehem during the holidays come tens of thousands of believers from all over the world.

A street in Bethlehem. Christmas lights on the Israeli border wall.

The monks in the Church of the Nativity.

The Christmas tree in Bethlehem.

Palestinians posing in a festive Christmas tree in Bethlehem.

Grotto of the Nativity itself has the shape of a rectangle measuring 12, 3 meters by 3, 5 meters. There is no natural light, and is located in the central part of the birthplace of Jesus Christ, indicated by a silver star with 1717.