Embrace Sacred Places
St. Peter’s Cave - Church, Antioch (Antakya)
Apostle (St.) Peter is considered the first Bishop of Rome (for Catholics- the first Pope) and also first Bishop of Antioch. In the Eastern Orthodox Churches he is the first Patriarch. (The Patriarch of Antioch). For most Protestants, Peter is simply a beloved Apostle (Disciple) of Jesus. (Isa, Yeshua)
According to (St.) Paul’s “Acts”, Antioch was a primary center for Christians after (St.) Stephen was martyred in Jerusalem. It was in Antioch (according the “Acts” of the New Testament) that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians". The cave is believed by many to have been one of the first churches where Christians met and prayed. Both Apostle (St.) Peter and St. Paul spent time here and it is believed by some that the land was owned by Apostle (St.) Luke and given to the Christian community by him.
It is believed that the carved facade of the church was built by Crusaders during their rule of Antioch from 1098 to 1268 C.E. In some of the following photos a tunnel can be identified at the back of the cave that leads into the mountain interior. Possibly indicating an escape route in times of persecution.
Note: For most Protestants, the title “Apostle” generally refers to the 12 Disciples who knew and followed Jesus (Isa, Yeshua). This title is given in other Christian denominations for very early Christians proselytizing who were tortured or executed after the crucifixion. (The word “Apostle” is derived from a Greek root which means “Messenger”) Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox communities often, (but not exclusively) use the title “Saint” also for those who evangelized and were tortured or killed because of it. Protestants do not.
According to (St.) Paul’s “Acts”, Antioch was a primary center for Christians after (St.) Stephen was martyred in Jerusalem. It was in Antioch (according the “Acts” of the New Testament) that the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians". The cave is believed by many to have been one of the first churches where Christians met and prayed. Both Apostle (St.) Peter and St. Paul spent time here and it is believed by some that the land was owned by Apostle (St.) Luke and given to the Christian community by him.
It is believed that the carved facade of the church was built by Crusaders during their rule of Antioch from 1098 to 1268 C.E. In some of the following photos a tunnel can be identified at the back of the cave that leads into the mountain interior. Possibly indicating an escape route in times of persecution.
Note: For most Protestants, the title “Apostle” generally refers to the 12 Disciples who knew and followed Jesus (Isa, Yeshua). This title is given in other Christian denominations for very early Christians proselytizing who were tortured or executed after the crucifixion. (The word “Apostle” is derived from a Greek root which means “Messenger”) Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox communities often, (but not exclusively) use the title “Saint” also for those who evangelized and were tortured or killed because of it. Protestants do not.