Temple-era find unearthed in Jerusalem – from destruction Christ spoke of
Excavations of a ritual bath from the Second Temple period. Photo: Screenshot from YouTube, the official channel of the Israel Antiquities Authority
On December 29, 2025, Israeli archaeologists reported the discovery in Jerusalem of a ritual bath from the Temple period – the Temple whose impending destruction Jesus Christ foretold. The Israel Antiquities Authority reported this.
Beneath the plaza near the Western Wall, archaeologists uncovered a rock-hewn mikveh that had been buried under rubble and ash left after the Temple’s destruction. According to the archaeologists, these traces point to fire and widespread destruction in Jerusalem in 70 AD, when Roman forces ravaged the city. These events brought Old Testament Temple worship to an end and became a turning point in the history of the Holy City.
The Gospel testifies that Christ told His disciples of the coming ruin of the sanctuary: “Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:1–2).
Later He returned to the same theme, describing Jerusalem’s siege and desolation: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies… these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled” (Luke 21:20–22).
The Jerusalem Temple was destroyed by Roman troops in 70 AD. For Christians, this event is linked with the fulfillment of the Gospel words of Jesus Christ and the transition from Old Testament Temple service to the New Testament life of the Church.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the White House commented on whether the Third Temple in Jerusalem would be rebuilt.
Read also
Serbian Patriarch Congratulates the Primate of the UOC on the 12th Anniversary of His Enthronement
Patriarch Porfirije sent congratulations to Metropolitan Onufriy on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of his enthronement to the Kyiv cathedra.
In Khust, thousands of believers hold procession with Martyr Gabriel's relics
About ten thousand believers walked through the streets of Khust with the relics of martyr Gabriel of Białystok.
Kyrylo Budanov presents UGCC head with Order of Yaroslav the Wise
Shevchuk was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 5th Class, by decree of Volodymyr Zelensky.
UOC marks 12th anniversary of Metropolitan Onuphry's enthronement
The enthronement of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church took place on August 17, 2014.
Zelensky awards staff of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve
Managers and employees of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve received state orders and honorary titles.
Metropolitan Onuphry urges faithful to forgive from the heart
According to His Beatitude, if we want the Lord to forgive our sins, we must forgive those who wrong us.