Historical and Religious Places

Introduction

Beit Sahour holds significant importance both biblically and from a tourism perspective, boasting a multitude of noteworthy biblical and historical sites that serve as major attractions throughout the year. These sites elevate Beit Sahour to a prominent position in the tourism sector, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its timeless beauty and spiritual resonance. Some of the key attractions include:

The Shepherds’ Field

Biblically, Beit Sahour holds a special significance as the location where shepherds received the first tidings of Jesus Christ’s birth. According to the Gospel of Luke (2:8-15), it was in a broad valley in Beit Sahour where shepherds were keeping watch over their flock by night when an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The angel brought them the joyful news of Jesus’ birth, declaring, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” This momentous event was accompanied by a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God.

While the precise location of this divine encounter is not explicitly mentioned, Beit Sahour is traditionally associated with two sites where the appearance of the angels to the shepherds is commemorated. One site, known as Der Er-Ra’wat, is cared for by the Greek Orthodox Church, while the other, maintained by the Franciscans, is known as Der Esiar. These sites serve as reminders of the profound spiritual significance of Beit Sahour in the biblical narrative of Jesus’ birth, attracting pilgrims and visitors from around the world to experience the timeless story of hope and salvation.

The Greek Orthodox Shepherds’ Field

Located in a serene valley adorned with ancient olive trees, some dating back 2000 years, is a site of profound spiritual significance. This site, known locally as Der Er-Ra’wat or the Convent of the Shepherds, holds a special place in Christian tradition as the spot where an angel, enveloped in divine light, appeared to the astonished shepherds. It was here that the heavenly messenger proclaimed the timeless message: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The underground church, originally a cave where the shepherds tended their flocks, is now dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Within its hallowed walls, three of the shepherds to whom the angelic proclamation was made are said to be buried, their tombs serving as a poignant reminder of their sacred encounter. It is said that these shepherds, in their last will and testament, expressed their desire to be laid to rest in the very place where they received the heavenly message.

Centuries ago, St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, erected a church atop this sacred site, accompanied by a convent for nuns known as the Convent of the Gloria in Excelsis. While only the crypt of the church remains today, accessible by descending a flight of twenty-four steps, it continues to be a place of reverence and contemplation. Within its dimly lit confines, visitors encounter an altar adorned with paintings and a small apse, offering a glimpse into the rich spiritual heritage and enduring faith that permeates this Holy sanctuary.

The New Church

In 1972, a new church was constructed near the traditional site of the underground Church of the Shepherds. This modern, full-sized church was erected by Archimandrite Seraphim, the spiritual father of the Monastery of Mar Sabas. During the excavation of the foundations for the new church, ruins of three distinct churches dating back to the fifth, sixth, and seventh centuries were discovered.

In order to safeguard these invaluable remnants, it was decided to build the new church adjacent to, rather than directly above, the cave. This decision ensured the preservation of the ancient ruins while providing a suitable space for worship and reverence.

The new church features three Holy altars, each dedicated to a specific saint: the main altar is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her central role in Christian faith and devotion. The altar on the right is dedicated to the great martyr and healer, Saint Panteleimon, renowned for his miraculous healing powers and compassionate service to humanity. Lastly, the altar on the left is dedicated to the archangels Michael and Gabriel, celestial beings revered for their divine protection and guidance.

With its rich history and sacred significance, the new church serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and devotion in the Holy Land, offering pilgrims and visitors a place of spiritual nourishment and contemplation.

The Catholic Shepherds’ Field

This revered local site, known as Der Esiar, holds a significant place in tradition and history. Situated 1 km (0.6 miles) to the north-west of the Church of Er-Ra’wat, Der Esiar is under the stewardship of the Franciscan Fathers and has been meticulously excavated, revealing a sprawling monastic agricultural complex, complete with cisterns and grottoes.

The archaeological findings indicate that an early church, dating back to the fifth century, was later expanded in the sixth century. Notably, stones from the octagonal construction of the Basilica of the Nativity were utilized in the construction of its apse, highlighting the interconnectedness of these sacred sites.

Among the most striking features at Der Esiar is a remarkably preserved arched cistern, attesting to the engineering prowess of its builders. Additionally, Byzantine remnants such as mosaic floors, water channels, and wine-vats offer insights into the daily life and activities of the inhabitants. The presence of ruins resembling a farmstead suggests a multifaceted establishment catering to both agricultural and monastic needs.

Adjacent to Der Esiar lies the remnants of Eder Tower, a watchtower incorporated into the Franciscan hospice. Nearby, a cave with an altar is traditionally believed to have been inhabited by the shepherds, further enriching the spiritual tapestry of the site.

Der Esiar stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and devotion in Beit Sahour, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and contemplate the profound significance of this sacred locale.

The New Church

The present sanctuary, erected in 1953-54, stands atop a cave believed to have been inhabited by the shepherds. Designed in the shape of a tent, the sanctuary features a polygonal structure with five straight and five projecting sides. Flooded with natural light, the interior evokes the brilliance of the heavenly light that illuminated the scene when the angels announced the divine birth.

Adorning the altar inside the church are fifteen panels depicting various scenes from the Annunciation to the arrival of the Holy Family in Egypt, offering visitors a visual journey through the sacred narrative. This architectural marvel was crafted by the renowned Italian architect Barluzzi and is dedicated to the angels.

Both the laying of the foundation stone and the dedication ceremony took place on Christmas Day, symbolizing the profound connection between the sanctuary and the joyous occasion it commemorates. Each year, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the fields surrounding the sanctuary are thronged with thousands of pilgrims, who gather to sing Christmas carols and partake in the celebration of this momentous event.

Field of Ruth

The Shepherds’ Field in Beit Sahour holds significance beyond its association with the biblical account of the angels’ announcement to the shepherds. It is also recognized as the site where the meeting of Boaz and Ruth took place, as narrated in the Book of Ruth. In this area, the poignant tale of Naomi and Ruth, gleaners in the barley fields of Bethlehem, unfolded, leaving an enduring imprint on the collective consciousness of generations.

Ruth’s story stands out in the annals of history as a testament to her exceptional devotion, particularly to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Unlike many narratives centered on romantic love, Ruth’s narrative primarily revolves around her unwavering loyalty and commitment to familial bonds. Through her marriage to Boaz, Ruth bore a son named Obed, whose lineage would eventually lead to Jesse, the father of David, the revered King and Prophet of Israel.

Ruth’s exemplary character and steadfast devotion have inspired countless individuals throughout history, serving as a timeless reminder of the power of selflessness, loyalty, and faithfulness in shaping the course of human destiny.

The Virgin Mary Well

The Virgin Mary Well, located in the heart of the Old Centre of the city, holds a unique and revered status among the various wells in the area. According to tradition, this well was originally created by Jacob, the son of Isaac, tracing its origins back to the lineage of Abraham.

Legend has it that during her journey to Egypt, the Virgin Mary passed by this well and, feeling thirsty, requested a drink from its depths. Remarkably, the water within the well surged upwards of its own accord, allowing the Virgin Mary to quench her thirst directly from its source. This miraculous event has since imbued the well with sacred significance, becoming the backdrop for numerous traditional miracles.

The Virgin Mary Well serves as a religious sanctuary for the entire city, symbolizing unity and reverence across Christian denominations. The Municipality of Beit Sahour has erected a shrine over the well specifically for the use of Christians, adorned with icons and paintings depicting Christian subjects generously donated by worshippers. However, alongside these religious artifacts, a multitude of diverse gifts and pictures are scattered throughout the shrine, reflecting the inclusive and diverse nature of the site.

Notably, the well holds deep significance for many Muslims as well, further underscoring its status as a symbol of communal harmony and spiritual devotion. With its rich history and profound religious significance, the Virgin Mary Well continues to be a cherished landmark, drawing pilgrims and visitors from near and far to witness its enduring legacy of faith and miracles.