Jerusalem. Church of Peter in Gallicant

In the chain of events that occurred from the secret evening before the crucifixion on Calvary, interrogation and detention in the house of the high priest of that time, Kaiafa occupy a considerable place. In the Christian tradition, there are two versions of location of Caiaphas’ house: the Armenian and Catholic. From the first – you can get acquainted in my "walk" number 13 "Jerusalem. Armenian-Gregorian Church on the Holy Land "(Church of Angels), and the second – now will appear to us. We will remind myself the prediction, uttered by Jesus in the fatal Easter night for him:

"Then Jesus says to them: all you will be seduced about me on this night, for it is written:" I am angry with a shepherd, and the flock sheep dispel "; On the resurrection, I will prevail you in Galilee. Peter told him in response: if everyone is seduced about you, I will never be seduced. Jesus told him: True I tell you that on this night, before the rooster fell, they will refil from me three times. ".
Matthew, 26: 31/35

As you know, everything took place exactly here, and here, in this place. And the name of the Church is somewhat unusual for our ear, the name of the Church is very simple: "Gallus" – "Rooster", and "Cantus" – "singing". Everything fell into place!

The first basilica in memory of the foregoing events was erected during the Empress of Evdokia, whose mobility activities are obliged to many of the Holy Land. About 20 years old she was married to the emperor Feodosius II, but due to the careless act, it was removed in 441 in Jerusalem, where 20.ten. 460 died in opal. Her remains are buried in her same built basil forarting Stephen.

Next, everything developed on the stencils already familiar to us: the chains of destruction and restorations up to 1888, when the Assumptation Fathers (do not frighten the names of the Order: "Assumption" – only familiar to us "Assumption") began here by large-scale excavations Base for new construction. Which was carried out by 1920, and the Church itself was consecrated in 1931.

Architect, Father Etienne Bube (Rev. Pere Etienn Boubet – 1865 – 1934.G.), created a genuine masterpiece. First of all, the original project, which entered the modern structure in the terrain landscape as if they were a single organic whole. In addition, all archaeological finds, both external and internal, remained in immunity, but were woven into new construction completion of each other and creating, thereby, something new third. And finally, the mood: nothing presses on the visitor, on the contrary, makes it possible to see in suffering – redemption, in treason – repentance, in orthodoxy – sprouts of a born new.

Being in the upper church you will not immediately become clear the reason for your joyful-raised mood. Until that time, until you raise your eyes up: the light breaks into the basil from the dome, in which the stained glass window of the Cross. Refracting in hundreds of windows, it crumbles on thousands of glare and gives the signal to your feeder to remove the tension and rejoice. What is promoted by unobtrusive light pastel tones mosaics. Altar – traditional shape. Above the crucified Jesus figure is a large panel with the image of the interrogation scene. Left – repentant men, right – women. These are sinners or repentant people, through faith who came to Jesus and subsequently held saints.

Having dropped on one floor, you fall into another prayer hall, in which services are also held. However, there is already a hint that under us, the incomes in which the prisoners contained.To. In the center of the Basilica – a hole leading to one of the chambers of the lower floor. On the way to, the so-called, underground jail of Jesus, where many different sculptures of the corresponding content are located. While in the courtyard of the Church, you need to explore the bas-reliefs with scenes depicting the events of the tragic night, the sculptural composition with the apostle Peter and numerous archaeological finds, the main of which, of course, the remains of the ancient stairs, according to which Jesus went down to Gethsema. Some call it the "McCaveev stairs", other "Scala Santa" ("Holy Steps"), as if to Latin Flood, t.To. I really want to take them, at least to the first century (!).

You can finish visiting the church by the observation platform that opens a unique view of objects that cannot be examined from other places. Do not use this opportunity, it literally unique.