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The Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church is one of the largest churches in Beit Jala. Apart from playing its religious role, the church also plays a social one and acts as a vital partner for the city’s residents, gathering them during weddings, funerals and other occasions. Situated in the town center, the church was built by the Christians Greek Orthodox church in 1862. It is distinguished by its enormous size, its high tower and magnificent church bells that were imported from Russia in the 19th century and could be heard from miles away, its eastern architecture, and beautiful icons and murals decorating its walls, which relate many and different stories from the Bible. It is also home to the stone upon which the Virgin Mary slept with Joseph and baby Jesus prior to their flight to Egypt, escaping King Herod’s persecution. The church is renowned for celebrating the feasts related to the Virgin Mary, especially the Assumption of Mary, on 15 August (Catholic) and 28 August (Greek Orthodox) of every year, which commemorates Her assumption to heaven.
