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Beit
Sahour is located southeast of Bethlehem. It is the scene of the
fields of olives, well-known as Shepherd's Field, the place where
the angel announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus Christ.
There are two points of interest here : a Franciscan Chapel, and a
Greek Orthodox Church that was built over a cave in the fifth
century. There are also some exceptionally old olive trees in the
field. While in the town, be sure to ask about the Beit Sahour
Municipality Folklore Museum.
A
drive of about six kilometers East of the shepherd's Field down a
winding road takes you to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mar Saba.
Built into a cliff, it has a spectacular view overlooking the gorge
of Kidron Valley and was part of the grand tour of Palestine during
the 19th century. The founder, St. Saba, came from Cappadocia in the
fifth century. There are Legends about St. Saba having lived in a
cave with a lion for many years. St. Saba died at the age of 94, and
his skull is still preserved in the church at the monastery. The
monastery has 110 rooms, though today there are only a few monks
residing in it. The monks are friendly and hospitable, but
long-established tradition prevents the entry of women, whom must
enjoy the scenery from outside. |