Resurs-P satellite transmitted an image of Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born
"Roscosmos" on Christmas Day on January 7 published an image of the satellite "Resurs-P", which depicts the city of Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born more than 2 thousand years ago.
"The Resurs-P satellite image shows the city of Christmas, Bethlehem," the state corporation's Telegram channel said.
The city is located on the western bank of the Jordan River. It is noted that its center is the Basilica of the Nativity - the first temple over the birthplace of Jesus Christ, which was founded in the IV century.
On the night of January 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin came to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to congratulate Patriarch Kirill on Christmas.
Christmas is an important holiday for Christians of all denominations, as it marks the beginning of Christ's earthly life. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates it on January 7, while the Western Church and a number of local Orthodox churches celebrate it on December 25. Differences in dates arise because the Orthodox have a liturgical calendar according to the Julian system (old style), and Catholics and Protestants - according to the Gregorian system.
Since the second century, Christmas was celebrated on the day of Epiphany, which was the name of a large church celebration dedicated to three important events at the same time: the birth of Jesus, the offering of gifts by the Magi, and Christ's baptism in the Jordan River.
