16,951
edits
Changes
m
link
==History==
Until the new era of Church freedom under Constantine, Christians assembled and worshipped in private buildings, each called a ''domus ecclesia'', or "church house". An example of such a [[Domus Ecclesia|church ]] house can be found at [[Dura-Europos]]. After the [[Edict of Milan]], however, large structures for public worship began to appear. These public churches can divided into two classes based upon their function and architectural form. One was a special class of churches that architecturally were suited for commemorative purposes (e.g., a specific place important in the life of Christ). Thus they were centered around a point of interest emphasized within a circular, octagonal, or square structure. The [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem)|Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] is an example. The other style were churches based upon the Roman [[basilica]]. Sometimes the two styles were combined at a particular site, of which the Eleona Church was an example.
Construction of the Eleona Church was initiated in 326 by Helen following her visit to Palestine and was completed in 333. The Eleona Church was a basilica, but one which was placed, according to Tradition, over the cave where Christ and his disciples often met. From this, the church is sometimes referred to as the '''Church of the Disciples'''. Thus, while a basilica, the church also served a commemorative purpose.
