Akeldama

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Akeldama

Akeldama, or, or as it is called - Land of Blood - according to the New Testament - a plot of land in Jerusalem, purchased for the burial of strangers for the money received by Judas Iscariot from the chief priests for his betrayal of Jesus Christ.
Since that time, until the beginning of the XIX century. in this place totally free buried Wanderers.
Now in this area is an Orthodox Greek monastery Onuphrius the Great.
The soil here is rich in clay, which was once in his work used by local potters. That's why, earlier this place was called the Potter's field. There is an opinion that bright red color of this clay has contributed to the modern name of the site.
In addition, there are several ancient Jewish burial caves and tombs, for the most part, relevant to the time of the Second Temple.
In Christianity this place, according to custom, is directly related to the betrayal committed by Judas Iscariot. In accordance with the gospel of Matthew, after Judas returned the coins he received for betraying Jesus Christ, the high priests, those, in turn, replied:
"not to put them into the Treasury, since it is the price of blood. After the meeting, were bought with them the Potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called the land of the "field of blood" unto this day" (Matt 27:6-8).
Accordingly, the name means blood of Christ, as it was bought with the money Judas received for his betrayal..
There is the Orthodox belief according to which IV. it is here in fasting and prayer, he lived for several years Saint Onuphrius the Great.
Thus, prayerful famous Egyptian hermit was not left without attention, and over time built a Greek Orthodox monastery Onuphrius the Great, which operates to this day.
In the monastery you can also see the cave where he lived and prayed the Holy. The monastery Church of St. Onuphrius the Great works from time immemorial and is carved in Hebrew the rock of the cave with burial niches. It is from here originates the Orthodox tradition the consecration of the cemetery churches in honor of St. Onuphrius the Great.
Akeldama land was sacred for Christians, it is for this reason in the middle ages they were exported from here all its vehicles with the aim to scatter her in the cemeteries of the cities of Europe

Address: South part of Eastern Jerusalem