Nigerian pilgrims visit largest church in Middle East

Christian pilgrims are on a spiritual tour to the Christian landmarks

Nigeria pilgrims on Thursday in Nazareth, Israel, toured the largest church in the Middle East, the Basilica of Annunciation.

The church was established at the site where, according to Roman Catholic tradition, the Annunciation took place.

According to Roman Catholic tradition, the present location of the church is where Angel Michael told Virgin Mary that she will have a baby to be named Jesus.

Tradition holds that the event happened while Mary was drawing water from a local spring in Nazareth.

The door of the church is made of bronze and dedicated to the Old Testament with sculptures of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark and Abraham among others.

Another door, also made of bronze, is dedicated to the New Testament with sculptures of Jesus and Mary among others.

Peter Ogunmuyiwa, who addressed pilgrims inside the church, urged them to imbibe the spirit of humility exhibited by Mary.

“Humility uplifts man as shown by Mary, her humble husband, Joseph and their son, Jesus.

“God has raised Nazareth which was despised in Jesus’ time to a great city that attracts thousands of visitors every day,” he said.

The church was destroyed during the Byzantine era but was rebuilt in 1964.

NAN