Tag: Israel
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The Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church, Jerusalem
Located in the Russian Compound neighborhood of West Jerusalem, in front of Og’s Finger, the Russian Orthodox church’s Holy Trinity Cathedral was dedicated in 1872 by Prince Nikolai of Russia. The cathedral was built in the Neo-classical style. It serves as a center for Russian pilgrims in the holy land. < Previous post on A Read more
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A Mysterious Giant Column in Jerusalem
As a West Jerusalem complex was being built in 1871, the excavation team discovered a giant pillar/column. The column is about 39 feet long (12 meters) and 6 feet (1.75 meters) in diameter, it weighs about 60 tons (132,277 pounds). The quarrying of the column was never completed because the column cracked as it was Read more
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Early Christian Sites in Turkey: Ephesus, Cappadocia, Heirapolis, Pergamon.
A review of four early Christian cities in modern day Turkey. Ephesus Ephesus was the Roman Provincial Capitol of Asia (modern day Turkey) and as such was a natural missionary center for the early church. Paul visited Ephesus on both his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys. On his 3rd missionary journey, Paul stayed in Ephesus Read more
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Jesus Christ’s Ascension into Heaven from the Mount of Olives
At the end of his forty day ministry, after his resurrection, Jesus Christ ascended into heaven from the top of the Mount of Olives in view of his apostles: “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they Read more
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Where Christ Taught the Apostles the Lord’s Prayer at Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives
On the site where tradition held that Jesus Christ taught the 12 disciples the Lord’s Prayer: “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto Read more
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Wine and Vineyards in the Bible
Wine and grape vineyards are found throughout the Old and New Testaments. As a part of daily life they are mentioned in both good and bad contexts. We will examine a cross section the of various passages. Perhaps the most important for our future is in Isaiah 63:1-7: “Who is this that cometh from Edom Read more
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The Western Wall of Jerusalem, the Holiest Site in Judaism
The Western Wall, sometimes incorrectly called the wailing wall, was built by King Herod the Great in about 20 BC. It was a retaining wall to Herod’s expansion of the temple mount complex. The lower mammoth stone blocks (weighing several tons) have decorative chiseled borders and are original. The smaller upper blocks are much later, Read more
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The Tower of David in Jerusalem
The Tower of David, a.k.a. The Citadel, is one of the oldest structures in Jerusalem. The first fortress was built on this spot by Herod the Great (about 72 to 1 BC). From that time the fortress has been rebuilt multiple times. It was the site of the Palace-Castle of the Crusader Kings and Queens Read more
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Crusader Buildings in Jerusalem that are Still Observable
The Christian Crusaders (1099 to 1291 AD) built many monumental structures in Jerusalem. Many still exist in part, or in whole. The Kingdom of Jerusalem was established shortly after the conquest of Jerusalem in 1099 AD. There were 24 kings and queens of the kingdom plus 14 regents who ruled in place of an underage Read more
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Olive and Olive Oil: Health Facts and Religious Symbols
The olive and its oil are an amazing and wonderful fruit and oil. It is mentioned throughout all scripture for both it’s religious and health uses. Both uses seem to be related to each other in some way. Let’s first review the health benefits of olive oil. When I say olive oil, I am only Read more