St. Theodosius’ Monastery
Greek Orthodox monastery on border of Judean Hills and Desert, 7 km. northeast of Bethlehem. Named after Greek monk Theodosius, who found refuge here in second half of the 5th century.
The original monastery was destroyed at the time of the Arab conquest and the Persian invasion. Rebuilt during Crusader Period but again destroyed by Arabs. Present structure built between 1914 and 1952. In courtyard of the monastery is a small cave – Theodosius’ retreat and where he was buried together with his mother and sister.
According to legend the three Magi stopped in this grotto when they came to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus.
“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” (Matthew 2:7-8).
The monastery also contains mosaic pavements of older churches, column fragments and remains of underground water canals.
The Arabs call it Deir Dosi and Deir Ibn Ubeid.
