06033
Jan. 26, 2006

Israel to relocate prison
to preserve ancient church

by Michele Green
Ecumenical News International

JERUSALEM — Israel will relocate a jail in the Galilee on the recommendation of archaeologists who have discovered in its grounds the oldest church ever found in the Holy Land.

        The third century prayer chapel laden with inscriptions and mosaics was found last year on Megiddo prison land, west of Afula in northern Israel. It was uncovered by prisoners helping archaeologists excavate the site before a new prison wing was constructed.

        Due to the discovery, the prison will now no longer be expanded and a committee of leading archaeologists from the governmental Antiquities Authority has advised that it be relocated, so the find can be preserved and further archaeological excavations can take place.

        “We are talking about a unique and unprecedented find which is exciting the entire Christian world,” Antiquities Authority director Shuka Dorfman told reporters. “Any move which would disconnect the mosaic from its site would injure the cultural values this site represents.”

        Israel’s President Moshe Katsav, who toured the area, said he supported moving the prison due to the historical importance to Christianity. Katsav said Pope Benedict XVI had, during a meeting in Rome last year, expressed interest in visiting the excavation on any future trips to the Holy Land.

        The chapel, located between an ancient Jewish village and a Roman army camp, caused a stir in the Christian world when it was discovered. It provides new insight into early Christianity when it was a persecuted religion in the Holy Land.

        In addition, the chapel contains an inscription dedicated to a woman who donated an altar to “the God Jesus Christos.” This is believed to be the earliest epigraphic reference to Jesus discovered, archaeologists said.

        A prison spokesperson confirmed that Megiddo prison, where 1,200 Israeli and Palestinian prisoners are jailed, will probably be moved.

        Megiddo, also known as Armageddon, is where the last battle between good and evil is supposed to take place according to the Bible in the New Testament’s book of Revelation.