St. Sergius Church - site of oldest altar

Marsarkis.com ^

[NYer]

Maalaloula might be ??where??

Syria! It is one of the few remaining towns in the Middle East where the natives still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, his Blessed Mother and the apostles.

[NYer]

The only reason I brought up the Church of Sergius and Bacchus is because it had its exterior depicted, and I was wondering about the exterior of the church of the altar. So, do you know if that is the same church?

So often on these threads, we get caught up in the changes that took place post VCII where the proponents justify them by citing early christian church designs. We tend to forget or simply not consider the fact that Jesus was born, died and resurrected in the Middle East. These 'churches' exemlify the earliest designs.

The Maronites, like the other Eastern Churches, are slowly attempting to restore their authentic traditions. These include the design elements of their first churches which happen to be constructed over the foundations of Jewish synagogues. If you look at the plan for the church featured in this article, you will find very little resemblance to any Latin Church you have ever visited. Each architectual aspect of the church holds great significance. And yes, Seamole, the contemporary church would be wrong to design an altar that does not conform to that set forth by the Council of Nicea.

It's a journey back to our ancient roots, except this church is still active, 1700 years after its construction.

[Kolokotronis]

Good for you, NYer!

By the way, there is a very ancient altar (probably late 4th century) in the ruins of a church at Epidaurus in the Argolid in Greece which looks very much like this one.

[GipperGal]

A gay Syrian monastery? ROTFLMAO!!!!

I know, I know. That's not the point of this post. And, yes, I love the archeological signifigance...

But the gay Syrian thing is making me cry laughing... Quick, somebody email this to the Cedar Revolution folks. They will have a field day taunting the Syrians about this...

[NYer]

I simply find the topic most interesting. Perhaps I missed my calling in life as an archaeologist ;-D. Or is the this the Eastern phronema at work? :-)

[Kolokotronis]

Maybe both, NYer, maybe both. I do like the edge of your remarks about reclaiming an ancient heritage! :)

[SunkenCiv]

Just adding this to the GGG catalog, not sending a general distribution.

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