Dear Friends,
Until recently, Dura Europas in Syria had the distinction of hosting the world’s oldest aboveground church structure. However, some Jordanian authorities claim to have discovered an even older facility that dates back to the very first century—and to the place where the earliest Messianic-Jewish followers of Jesus once met when they fled Jerusalem as the Roman army advanced to destroy the Sacred City.
Syria? Jordan? Where’s the oldest church building? Not unexpectedly, there is a debate.
Dissenting scholars say that the Jordanian claim is hyped and requires more evidence to substantiate it. After looking into it myself, I am inclined to agree. In any case, while scholars argue the Jordanian site’s merits versus the Syrian’s, let’s consider a lesser-known excavation site just across the street from a site our Israel tour groups visit: Armageddon. The new archaeological find there, adjacent to the hill called Armageddon, recently has been thoroughly excavated and assessed. The official report is available through the Israel Antiquities Authority: A Christian Prayer Hall of the Third Century CE at Kefar ’Othnay (Legio), written by Dr. Yotam Tepper and Dr. Leah Di Segni.
Where’s the world’s oldest ruin? Which church building seems to be the oldest? Though there is also a contending location in Jerusalem, Armageddon is my pick for the oldest aboveground site. Here is some of its little-known story.
During the Roman period, six imperial highways intersected this site known as “Legio-Megido.” Scholars Tepper and Di Segni note, “Along these [various] roads traveled the Roman army, the imperial postal service, and government and commercial convoys.” They also remark that the intersection at Megiddo was “an important site within the road system of the ancient world in general and in the Roman-Byzantine period in particular.” Both the intersection and the Roman fort at the Megiddo crossroads were so central and well known that Eusebius—the lauded, ancient bishop of Caesarea—described various biblical sites in the area according to their proximity to Armageddon.
Though little known today, it was very famous yesterday.
This particular site for a church is interesting for a variety of reasons—not least of which is its location at the base of the world’s most famous battleground. The word Armageddon connotes the cataclysmic clash of titanic civilizations in a predicted, day’s end war.
Impressive inscriptions set in
the Armageddon church’s mosaic floor
are extremely well preserved. One
reads: “The God-loving Akeptous has
offered the table [for communion]
to God Jesus Christ as a memorial.”
Another is a commemorative piece
reading: “Remember Primilla and
Cyriaca and Dorothea, and moreover
also Chreste.” Memorials to sacrificial
and supportive Believers who fund church works have long been noted in both Heaven
and Earth. More striking than the floor inscriptions is the church’s location: it is adjacent
to a Roman military compound and arguably served as the Legion’s chapel.
An iron Roman army knife, a spearhead, and two limestone balls (known as “ballista” projectiles) that were discovered there further underscore its employment as a major military site. Professor Guy Steibel, of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, contributed to the report noting that bakers for the Roman Legions would often stamp the loaves of bread they made with their names, their commanders, and the intended recipients. Two army “bread stamps” found at the Armageddon site—one referencing an Arabian centurion named “Autus”—are deemed important. Why? The Roman Sixth Legion was stationed in “Provincia Arabia” in the second century until it moved to Armageddon. There at Megiddo, the church served as a chapel in a Roman military installation—one comprised of Arabs conscripted into the Roman military apparatus.
Stories of the Gospel penetrating the hearts and minds of ancient military men are well reported historically. Under reported, to my way of thinking, is the resolute and sterling Christian virtue that abounds in many soldiers, police officers, and firefighters today. That’s a story that I may tell in the future.
In any case, isn’t it fascinating that Armageddon—the future scene of the apocalyptic End Times—has been safeguarding an old church in which the hope of the world was celebrated through our peaceful Lord Jesus? That Armageddon can be lauded as hosting the world’s oldest church is wonderful, claims from Syria and Jordan notwithstanding.
For me, our next pilgrim visit to Armageddon will be of double interest, given that our October-November trip will unfold during a truce between Gaza and Israel. This ministry has never canceled an Israel tour—even when America’s news media exaggerated the risks of being there. Instead our groups have enjoyed spirited peace and felicity each trip as we made our way around God’s Land without incident.
With Islamic belligerents faring from Gaza and Lebanon, problems tend to occur at those borders—far from the sites we visit. This autumn’s hiatus on hostilities will likely stimulate additional confidence and peace of mind.
If you’d like to travel with us to Israel, you can depart on either October 14 or 19 and return on either October 29 or November 2. Please act soon, however—and I mean now. Our recent tours have filled up. Call Abel in our office at (214) 696-9760 or email him at and register ASAP. Between what appears to be a genuine ceasefire and Israel celebrating its 60th birthday, people who have been holding back are now eager to go. We are about to print brochures for our spring 2009 tours, which will depart March 15 and then return on March 25 and 29. Join the many who have said: “Visiting Israel has been a life-changing experience.”
Zola Levitt Presents is presently featuring the final four episodes of our newest television series, Ezekiel and the MidEast ‘Piece’ Process. Be sure to tune in for those programs regarding Israel’s Neighbor States, The Valley of the Dry Bones, The Battle of Gog and Magog, and The Restored Temple. In March, when we shot this series on location in Israel, contributions were down somewhat, probably due to concerns about rising gas prices. Nonetheless, we believed our ministry was here “for such a time as this” and stepped out in faith.
Now our producer Ken Berg and I have drafted the filming schedule for what may prove to be this ministry’s signature series: eight hard-hitting, succinct programs on King David. We’ll film this October on location when in Israel with our tour group. Please pray that God will anoint this project to His glory. Speaking of schedules, please notice the wide-reaching national TV networks on the enclosed air schedule.
Your messenger,
Jeffrey Seif
P.S. As you have seen, we report on archaeological discoveries, current events, and prophetic developments via TV, bulk mail, and the Internet. If you believe in our teaching, which is free to the multitudes, please lend a hand. I will sleep a little better once the David television series is paid for. Please help if you can.
Dear Jeff,
It is quite a wonder that Armageddon can be lauded as hosting the world’s oldest church.
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