AcreChurches of Israel

Saint George Church

Saint George Church: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1-2)

 

Admission:

Free Entrance
Call, as Mass times vary with seasons.

Saint George Church

Saint George Church Description:

Saint George Church is located on the southwest side of the old city of Acre. If driving, it is best to park near the Bahai Center (about 100 M north of the lighthouse). Walk about 100 M east, through the alley.

Saint George Church is a small, single storied building. It is far from the grandiose cathedrals found in Europe. However, the 17th century builders still took heed to include great detailed crosses above the westward-facing entrance. The main entrance faces south. Above the mantel there is a stone relief depiction of Saint George slaying a dragon. There is another scene with Saint George riding on a horse, slaying an enemy and getting crowned by Mary, Jesus and angels. The carving dates back to 1845. This valiant Christian fighter gave his name to Saint George Church.

Description

There are stone tablets from that era also mounted into the outer walls. Along the east side of Saint George Church, there is a small corner with the tomb of George the Cypriot. George the Cypriot was martyred in Acre in 1752. This is NOT the George who named to the church. There are several more tombs on the south side of Saint George Church, as well.

The Greek Orthodox patriarch lives in a small building to the east of Saint George Church. Between the patriarch’s parsonage and the church, there is a large monument dedicated to two British soldiers (Oldfield and Walker) who died during two military operations in Acre (the siege of Napoleon and against Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt).

On the fiftieth day after Easter the Greek Orthodox community in Acre celebrate the Holiday of the Light. This holiday celebrates when the Holy Spirit came to the Christians fifty days after Jesus’ ascension in Acts 2. There is a huge parade in Acre, with the bishop, his aids and the congregants all participating.

Saint George Church

History:

Saint George was born in the third century. He lived in the city of Lod (Lydda). George was an early follower of Jesus and also served as a Roman tribune until his death in 303. His actually coffin is located in Saint George Church of LOD (same name as the one in Acre). According to church tradition George was a valiant warrior and martyr. The Saint George Church in Lod was built in the Byzantine era, and soon there were other churches following suit.

Saint George Church in Acre was built over a crusader church. The original church was probably destroyed, when the Mamluks invaded the Holy Land in the 13th century. It lay in ruins for almost 400 years before the current church was erected.

Key Verse:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1-2)

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