Palestinian officials say what they believe to be a new baptismal font has been discovered at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, allowing for more studies about Jesus’ traditional birthplace.
Palestinians say baptismal font discovered at Church of the Nativity: Experts called in to examine receptacle, found hidden under larger basin, at Bethlehem pilgrimage site https://t.co/xRXs2iWtcF TimesofIsrael pic.twitter.com/tvbIjmylLq
— Jewish Community (@JComm_BlogFeeds) June 23, 2019
Ziad al-Bandak, head of a Palestinian presidential committee leading the church renovation, said Saturday that international experts are arriving in the biblical West Bank town to examine the receptacle.
A possibly Byzantine baptismal font of a yet unknown date discovered inside another baptismal font in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during the renovations. Looks like a serious case of baptismal matryoshkas. #Byzantine https://t.co/LeOawPzMPX
— Mateusz Fafinski (@Calthalas) June 23, 2019
Al-Bandak described the Byzantine font as a “magnificent” discovery that had been covered by the larger known vessel.
A baptismal font was discovered during the restoration work of the Church of the Nativity in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, today. pic.twitter.com/iRgwGzGENV
— Batool Hassan (@BatoolH37628186) June 23, 2019
In 2013, UNESCO declared the church a World Heritage site and a restoration project were launched five years ago to overcome decades of neglect at the historic church.
'Baptismal font' discovered at nativity church in Bethlehem https://t.co/5JVkQDWLmU via @skinnergj
— Dougy's Daily Digest (@skinnergj) June 23, 2019
During holidays, especially Christmas, the church attracts pilgrims and tourists to the occupied West Bank town.
(Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, PC, Social Media)
