The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world and is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The church was originally commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena. Its basilica is built over a grotto where Jesus is said to have been born, marked by a silver star embedded in the floor. The site also includes a Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic church, reflecting its significance to various Christian denominations. The Church of the Nativity is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major pilgrimage destination, especially during Christmas.
The Chapel of the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem, Palestine, is a significant Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where the Holy Family took refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents before their flight into Egypt. According to tradition, a drop of the Virgin Mary's milk fell on the floor of the cave, turning the rocks white. The site is associated with fertility and motherhood, and many couples visit the chapel to pray for children.
The Church of Saint Catherine in Bethlehem, Palestine, is a notable Roman Catholic church that adjoins the Basilica of the Nativity, which is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This church is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr. Renowned for its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture, the church features stunning stained glass windows and a serene cloister. It serves as the parish church for Bethlehem's Roman Catholic community and is also the site of the annual Midnight Mass broadcast worldwide on Christmas Eve.
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