UK NEWS

'FIRST CHURCH IN THE WORLD' DISCOVERED

Friday June 13,2008

By Penny Stretton for Express.co.uk

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A CAVE that could be the world’s oldest Christian church has been discovered by Archaeologists in Rihab, Northern Jordan.

Dating back to somewhere between AD33 and AD70 the find is of substantial significance to the history of the religion, shedding light on early Christianity.

It is believed the ancient chapel would have served as both a place of worship and a home.

Expert archaeologist Abdul Qader Hussan said: “The discovery is an important milestone for Christians all over the world”.

The underground church lies beneath Saint Georgeous church in Rihab.

Experts believe it would have housed seventy Christians and disciples of Jesus who would have lived and practiced their rituals in secret until the Christian religion was embraced by Roman rulers.

It would not have been until then that the main church of Saint Georgeous would have been built.

He added: “We have evidence to believe this church sheltered the early Christians, the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ.

"The early Christians, described in the mosaic inscription on St. Georgeous floor as ‘the 70 beloved by God and Divine’, are said to have fled from Jerusalem during the persecution of Christians, to the northern part of Jordan, particularly to Rihab."

Other items discovered include pieces of pottery that date back to the 3rd century but more importantly the unearthing of a circle shaped area, believed to be the church’s apse, and several stone seats for the ecclesiastics.

'FIRST CHURCH IN THE WORLD' DISCOVERED

14.06.08, 1:18pm

SO WHAT?
It means nothing. Anybody wondering if there is a God, then read the story about little 3 year old Tiffany Hirst. Where was God when she needed him? Where was God when she was starving to death? Where was God as she finally closed her eyes for the last time, covered in filth and bites?
Some of you will say "it was Man not God"
I say, children are supposed to be precious in God's eyes, why could he not have (just once) done something???
Why let her little body go on suffering for months??
The World is filth and the human race are scum. We all deserve to be wiped out and the planet left to the animals. I sobbed like a baby when I read the story and I know I will never forget the story of Tiffany Hirst. It will be my constant reminder of how worthless the human race is, and how obvious it is, that the heavens are truly empty of a loving, caring heavenly father.

• Posted by: Lucabrasi • Report Comment