The World's Greatest Churches Season 1 Episode 1 The Earliest Churches

The World's Greatest Churches is a captivating series that explores the world's most stunning and notable places of worship. Season 1 episode 1, entitled "The Earliest Churches," is a fascinating look at the origins and evolution of Christian churches.

The episode begins by taking viewers back to the early days of the Christian Church, just after the death and resurrection of Jesus. We discover how Christianity emerged from Judaism and spread rapidly across the Middle East, gaining a foothold in major cities like Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome.

From there, we visit some of the earliest Christian churches, many of which still stand today. We explore the famous catacombs underneath Rome, where early Christians gathered to worship in secret and bury their dead. We also discover the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where it is believed Jesus was born, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which houses the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

The episode also explores the development of different Christian denominations, such as Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, and how this influenced the design and symbolism of their respective churches. We learn about the grandeur of Byzantine churches, such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which was once the world's largest cathedral.

Finally, the episode discusses how Christianity spread beyond Europe to the New World, where missionaries built churches to spread their faith. Examples of such churches include the San Xavier del Bac in Arizona, which showcases the blend of Spanish and Native American influences, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, which is the largest Anglican church in the world.

Overall, "The Earliest Churches" is a fascinating exploration of the birth and evolution of Christianity, through the lens of its most significant religious structures. This episode is a perfect introduction to the series and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.