Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Church of Jerusalem?The Church of Jerusalem is recognised as the mother of all Christian Churches. It is the first Christian community established in the Middle East after the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah, rooted in the preaching of the Apostles and centred in the Holy City.
When was the Church of Jerusalem founded?
The Church was founded on the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. From this beginning, the faith spread throughout Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Who was the first leader of the Church of Jerusalem?
The first bishop of Jerusalem was James the Just, called “the brother of the Lord” (Galatians 1:19). He guided the early community with wisdom and humility and presided at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15).
Why is the Church of Jerusalem called the ‘Mother Church’?
It is called the Mother Church because all other Christian Churches trace their origin back to Jerusalem, where the Apostles first proclaimed the Gospel and where the earliest Eucharist was celebrated.
What language did the first Christians of Jerusalem speak?
The earliest Christians of Jerusalem prayed and taught in Aramaic, the common language of the region. Portions of worship were also expressed in Hebrew and later in Greek, as the Church grew beyond Judea.
What is the significance of the Holy Places in Jerusalem?
The Holy City preserves sites directly connected to the life, death, and resurrection of the Messiah, including the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, the Upper Room, Golgotha, and the Empty Tomb. These remain central to Christian devotion worldwide.
Does the Church of Jerusalem still exist today?
Yes. Despite centuries of trials, persecutions, and political upheavals, the Church of Jerusalem has remained a living witness to the faith of the Apostles. The Christian communities of the Holy Land continue to uphold this ancient heritage.
How did the Church of Jerusalem influence other Churches?
From Jerusalem, the Apostles carried the Gospel into every land. The traditions, prayers, and discipline of the Jerusalem Church shaped the liturgies and ecclesiastical orders of all other ancient Churches, whether in Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, or beyond.
What is the relationship between the Church of Jerusalem and Judaism?
The early Church was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The Apostles and first disciples worshipped in the Temple and followed the Law, while recognising Jesus as the promised Messiah. The Council of Jerusalem clarified how Gentiles could enter the faith without becoming Jews (Acts 15).
How can I learn more about the Church of Jerusalem today?
You may explore the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, the Acts of the Apostles, and the testimony of early Church historians such as Eusebius. Visiting the Holy Land also offers a living encounter with the continuing presence of the ancient Christian communities.
