The defining events of early Christianity are memorialized in churches and monasteries throughout the Holy Land, many of which date back to ancient times. This beautiful book is a wonderful written and visual guide to those religious monuments and the artistic treasures that lie within their walls. The author, David Rapp, is an art historian and critic, who opens a window into the fascinating geographical-theological sphere where Christianity was conceived and born. Each chapter features spectacular pictures by Hanan Isachar, an acclaimed photographer. Christianity’s roots extend deep into the earth of the Holy Land. This book is dedicated to those who wish to learn more about that heritage and the religious sites that stand as testimonies to it.

The biblical city of Jerusalem played a significant role in the origination of Christianity. According to the scriptures, Jesus visited the Jewish temple there as a youth. Many years later, it was in Jerusalem where He ate the Last Supper with His disciples before being arrested and tried by Roman Procurator Pontius Pilate, who sentenced Him to crucifixion. Jesus died and was buried just outside the city walls, rose there from the dead and, forty days later, ascended to Heaven from nearby Mount of Olives. Jerusalem is also where some of the disciples received inspiration from the Holy Spirit in a gathering that is considered to be the founding of the Christian Church, and where it is said that Jesus Christ will return in the Second Coming. “Churches and Monasteries in Jerusalem” is devoted to twenty ancient houses of worship that were built over the ages to commemorate the decisive milestones of Jesus’s time in Jerusalem and that underscore Christianity’s ongoing relationship with the sacred city. This volume is based in part on chapters from the authors’ book, "Churches and Monasteries in the Holy Land." The original text has been expanded to include new, previously unpublished sections, and more stunning photographs have been added to illuminate the content.

The Caucasian Archaeology of the Holy Land investigates the complete corpus of available literary, epigraphic and archaeological evidence of the Armenian, Georgian and Caucasian Albanian Christian communities’ activity in the Holy Land during the Byzantine and the Early Islamic periods. This book presents the first integrated approach to a wide variety of literary sources and archaeological evidence, previously unpublished or revised. The study explores the place of each of these Caucasian communities in ancient Palestine through a synthesis of literary and material evidence and seeks to understand the interrelations between them and the influence they had on the national churches of the Caucasus.

At the heart of the ancient city that echoes with tales of history and spirituality, Jerusalem stands as a sacred center uniting diverse religions and cultures through the ages. For Christians, Jerusalem is more than a destination; it is a living testament to faith, home to many of the most revered sites in Christianity. "Holy Jerusalem: A Christian Traveler's Guide to the City's Major Churches and Monasteries" is your comprehensive companion for exploring the most significant churches and monasteries in this holy city. From the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Monastery of the Cross, and from the Church of the Nativity to St. George’s Monastery, this guide will lead you through the landmarks that have shaped the essence of Christianity. Within these pages, you will uncover the rich histories of these sacred places, the inspiring stories they hold, and the spiritual practices you can experience during your visit. We offer detailed information, historical context, and practical tips for each site, ensuring that every stop on your journey becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to make your visit to Jerusalem a spiritually and intellectually enriching pilgrimage. We hope this guide opens doors to inspiration and reflection, making your time in Jerusalem filled with enduring significance and treasured memories.

Monasticism was the dominant form of religious life both in the medieval West and in the Byzantine world. Latin and Greek Monasticism in the Crusader States explores the parallel histories of monasticism in western and Byzantine traditions in the Near East in the period c.1050-1300. Bernard Hamilton and Andrew Jotischky follow the parallel histories of new Latin foundations alongside the survival and revival of Greek Orthodox monastic life under Crusader rule. Examining the involvement of monasteries in the newly founded Crusader States, the institutional organization of monasteries, the role of monastic life in shaping expressions of piety, and the literary and cultural products of monasteries, this meticulously researched survey will facilitate a new understanding of indigenous religious institutions and culture in the Crusader states.