Archaeologists in Israel have unearthed a 1,300-year-old Christian church that is a short distance from the traditional site of Jesus’ transfiguration.
The church, about 118 feet by 39 feet, includes “ornate mosaic floors” and was recently found in an excavation in the Israeli village of Kfar Kama, which is about a two-hour drive north of Jerusalem. Kfar Kama is a few miles from Mount Tabor, which Origen – a third-century theologian – said was the site of Jesus’ Transfiguration.
The archaeological find was announced in a press release by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Catholic Archbishop Youssef Matta of Israel visited the site.
“The new discovery hints at the apparent importance of the Christian village settled in the Byzantine period close to Mount Tabor, a site of primary religious significance for Christianity, identified as the site of the Transfiguration,” the press release said.
The excavation took place prior to the building of a playground. It was directed by archaeologist Nurit Feig on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority in collaboration with Moti Aviam of Kinneret Academic College, according to the press release.
The church includes a large courtyard, a narthex foyer and a central hall, Feig said.
“Particular to this church is the existence of three apses [prayer niches], while most churches were characterized by a single apse,” Feig…
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