House of Saint Ananias

History of the layout of the Chapel of St. Ananias

(Also called the chapel of St. Ananias, Arabic كنيسة القديس حنانيا ) The House of Saint Ananias is the ancient alleged house of Ananias in the old Christian quarter of Damascus, Syria. It is considered the house where Ananias Saul (who later became Paul the Apostle was ) was baptizing.

It is located in Bab Scharqi ( Eastern Gate), at the far end of Via Recta ( Straight Street ) from Damascus. Since it is located five meters below sea level, the church is considered the basement of the house of Ananias, however, it was built at the height of the Roman road.

The church, which has been restored several times, is the only Christian church from the first century, which has survived today in the Muslim-majority city. She only has a very simple structure, consisting of two small rooms with stone walls, and only an altar, some icons and a few pews contains. The pictures tell the story of the Conversion of the Apostle Paul. It represents the simplicity of the early Christians, and is one of the earliest still existing churches where services are held to this day.

Archaeological excavations from 1921 promoted the remains of a Byzantine church dating from the 5th or 6th century days and supported with physical evidence, the local tradition that the chapel of early Christian origin.

Gallery

Exterior view of Saint Ananias