Discover the History Behind the ‘World’s Oldest Christian Place of Worship’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Angel Studios has just released a new documentary that “uncovers what may be the world’s oldest Christian place of worship — discovered beneath an Israeli prison.”
“In 2004, a routine prison renovation in Megiddo, Israel, led to an astonishing discovery — what is believed to be the oldest known Christian place of worship,” a synopsis for THE MOSAIC CHURCH reads. “At its center lies a mosaic bearing the first public inscription declaring Jesus as God. Narrated by Bear Grylls, this documentary dives into the site’s historical, theological, and political significance, featuring expert insights from historians and theologians.”
The mosaic is dated to AD 230.
Executive producer Terry Feix and Dr. Carlos Campo, CEO of Museum of the Bible, discussed the history behind the discovery with Movieguide®.
“When I think about the fact that it was prisoners who were working on this excavation, and of course, anytime you move dirt in Israel you have to call in the experts,” Dr. Campo began. “The experts were there, and even if you hear them talk about it they say, ‘We didn’t expect to find anything.'”
“Then on the last day of the excavation, they find what has just been called the earliest Christian worship space ever discovered, so really an incredible moment,” he added.
Feix described what it was like to film inside the walls of the prison that was also holding Hamas terrorists.
“Well, it was an adventure,” he told Movieguide®. “Usually, as you probably know, in Israel anytime you build a road or expand something, you always have the chance of uncovering something. Well, they were expanding the prison. The problem is what they uncovered was inside the prison walls. So, normally people aren’t allowed that kind of access at all, but in this case, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the prison authorities came together, and because of how important this was, we not only were able to film in there but we also had the help of a number of the inmates with the excavation.”
The discovery, while an ancient site, is invaluable to the church today.
“Well, it does tie us together to some of our earliest roots. As you know, it is the earliest Christian worship space or church that’s ever been found to date,” Feix explained. “In fact, Christianity wasn’t even legal until about 80 years after this. It’s phenomenal in a number of ways.”
READ MORE: ANGEL STUDIOS’ NEW DISTRIBUTION DEAL WILL BRING STORIES OF HOPE ACROSS THE WORLD
He continued, “It’s not just those people who lived way back when and who were Christians, but what we see is their community of worship is exactly like ours today. I mean the form may be a little different. We sing different songs and so forth, but the continuity with our brothers and sisters, our forefathers of the faith, I think is really encouraging.”
The Megiddo Mosaic is currently on display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“We are thrilled to make this film available for the public and continue to tell the remarkable story of one of the most important archeological discoveries of the 21st century,” said Bobby Duke, chief curatorial officer at Museum of the Bible. “This mosaic is critical for encountering and understanding early Christians at a time when they might have suffered persecution by the Roman Empire. It is a story that must be told.”
“Uncovering the Megiddo Mosaic has been a powerful journey into the early Christian spirit of resilience and faith. I am honored to narrate this story, bringing to life the legacy of the world’s oldest-known church for audiences worldwide,” added Bear Grylls.
THE MOSAIC CHURCH is now streaming on Angel Studios.
READ MORE: HERE’S THE ANGEL STUDIOS RELEASES YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS MONTH
- Content: +3Share:
- Content: +3