According to media reports, during the excavation of an ancient church in one of the Palestinian villages, an inscription dedicated to Jesus Christ and Our Lady was discovered. Scientists estimate that it was made about 1,500 years ago on a crossbar over the entrance to the temple of the Byzantine period. After deciphering, experts found that it reads: “Christ, son of Mary. The case of the God-fearing and pious Bishop Theodosius and the worthless Thomas. Let the one who comes in pray for their salvation. '
Theodosius, mentioned in the inscription, was one of the first bishops of Nazareth, although his see was at Skitopolis (present-day Beit She'an). He was known for actively supporting church building. According to the researchers, in these places. the church of the Byzantine period was found for the first time. During previous excavations, a temple built by the crusaders was found here, as well as a monastery.
The wording 'Christ, son of Mary' was very characteristic of the Byzantine era. She served as a kind of amulet that protects against the evil eye. The fact that the inscription blesses and encourages those who enter to pray may indicate that this door most likely led to a church, not a monastery. The inscription interrupts the empty circle. Perhaps there was originally a large cross here. It cannot be ruled out that the cross was deliberately destroyed before the stone was reused for construction. This may have happened after the original church was destroyed by an earthquake.
