In the village of Beit Jamal, a remarkable church stands as a testament to early Christian history and centuries of archaeological discovery. According to Christian tradition, a Byzantine villager named Lucian dreamt in December of 415 AD that the bones of St. Stephen, considered the first Christian martyr, were located in this village. His dream was validated when bones were indeed found, leading to the construction of a Byzantine church dedicated to St. Stephen.
St. Stephen is a unique figure in that he lived as a Jew and was a student of Rabban Gamaliel the Elder. Eventually, he became a follower of Jesus. The church also underwent its share of trials; it was destroyed by the Persians in 614 AD, along with other significant religious sites. However, archaeological excavations between 1916 and 1922 unearthed the remnants of this Byzantine church, including its foundational structures, mosaics, and a Greek inscription. Four tombs were also discovered, attributed to Rabban Gamaliel, his son, Nicodemus, and St. Stephen himself.
Fast forward to modern times, a new church was erected on the ancient site in 1932. The recovered mosaic and Greek inscription were preserved, and the site was further honored by a metal cross sculpture donated by artist Yigal Tumarkin in 2000. Research in 2006 by Emil Puech from the French School of Archaeology in Jerusalem substantiated the site’s historical significance, identifying an inscribed stone tablet that translates to "The Sanctuary of Stephen the First Martyr." Today, the church is maintained by seven Salesian monks, led by Father Antonio Scudu, who also offers in-depth tours for visitors keen on understanding the layered history of this sacred site.
Embark on a captivating road journey through the monasteries and wineries of the Judean Hills, starting with the unique Beit Jamal Monastery. Home to the Church of St. Stephen, widely considered the most beautiful and unusual church in the Holy Land, sets the tone for an enriching adventure. Next, go to Mony Winery, an exceptional establishment where Christians and Jews collaborate to produce kosher wine. This interfaith initiative adds depth to the region's viticultural practices.
As you leave Mony, ascend to the panoramic views of the Sorek Valley, a landscape that breathes life into the Biblical tales of Samson and Delilah. Take a moment to soak in the scenery and reflect on the ancient narratives that unfolded in these hills. Finally, end your journey at Flam Winery, a highly professional and well-promoted establishment. Though it leans a bit towards commercialization, it's a fitting conclusion to a day of spiritual and sensory exploration in the Judean Hills.
