The Basilica of St. George
Explore the Basilica of St. George, a Greek Orthodox church. This sacred place has an ancient Christian map at its foundation, the oldest surviving depiction of the Holy Land.
About the exhibit
This story is part of the Sacred Places exhibit at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where you’ll get a glimpse into dozens of faith communities around the world. Visit the exhibit's website to learn more about St. George's or to explore other sites.
Greek Orthodox Basilica of St. George (2022-12) by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and CyArkChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What is this place?
The Basilica of St. George was built in 1897 on the remains of the ancient foundation of an earlier Byzantine Christian church from the 6th century CE.
The Madaba Map (2022-12) by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and CyArkChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
Why is the foundation significant?
This foundation includes a remarkable mosaic map of the Holy Land, which likely served as a reference for Christian pilgrims making their way through Madaba.
Where is this place?
The Basilica of St. George is located in Madaba, Jordan. Jordan is a predominantly Muslim nation in Western Asia. Only 50 miles from Jerusalem, Madaba is in the heart of the Holy Land, a region that holds religious significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Mosaic of Jesus (Photographed December, 2022) by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and CyArkChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What makes Madaba a sacred place for Christians?
Many events of the Bible occurred nearby. The Bible describes God’s laws and His workings in the world, and it records the life and teachings of his son, Jesus Christ. Madaba is mentioned in the Bible four times.
Mosaic Wall (2022-12) by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and CyArkChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
Why is Madaba important to Christian history?
Because roads through Madaba connected to other empires and kingdoms, Madaba is often credited with the spread of early Christianity. Today, The Basilica of St. George is the spiritual home for Greek Orthodox Christians living in Madaba.
Church service at the Basilica of St. George (2022-12) by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and CyArkChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What is an example of what people do at this place?
During weekly services at St. George, Greek Orthodox Christians pray, sing, and read passages from the Bible. They also partake in Holy Communion, sanctified bread and wine that they believe is the real presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Bells being rung at The Basilica of St. George (2023-06) by Douglas Clark and CyArkChildren's Museum of Indianapolis
What do people hear at the start of services?
Bells ring on top of the basilica to call worshippers to prayer. Often, this sound mixes with the Muslim call to prayer from the nearby mosques, creating a unique soundscape in Madaba.
Thank you to Father Nikola, Saif Hamarneh, the clergy and congregation of the Basilica of St. George, Dr. Douglas R. Clark, Jude Anton Twal, Fuad Hamarneh, and CyArk.
Sacred Places is made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc.
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