www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology The final resting place of the ark of the covenant

Hello evryone, Slava Isusu Christu!

I have recently been reminded of the Ark of the covenant by a few sources (including Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Ark), and I am truly wondering where the final resting place of the Ark is. I am aware that there is a Church in ehtiopia that claims they have the ark, and a link to any information regarding this would be helpful. Is there any validity behind this claim?

Also, are there any other possible known resting places? I always thought that the babylonians might have it because I thought they were the ones who took the ark from Jerusalem... though I could be wrong, of course (correct me if so)

Finally, if the ark were to be found, of what importance would it be universaly? What would its importance be for Christians? What would it mean in Judaism, a rebuilding of the temple? etc....................

All this has been on my mind for a while, and I think it its extremely important to know as much as possible because I have pondered things like the existence of some secret society that protects the ark and other thoughts of that line... a sure sign that I am getting rather obsessive.

thank you for all your comments,
Slava Isusu Christu!
Amiin!
-Justin

Slava vo viki!

In traditional Orthodox Jewish thought, the buiding of the Third Temple heralds the coming of the Messiah.

That's an easy one. The Ethopian Coptic Orthodox Church has it. My understanding is that there are several locations in that Holy country that claim to be its official location but each is guarded by a monk. This monk would give his life in defense of its secracy. It is my understanding that each Coptic church even in this country has a replica of it. I believe it was brought there by the son of the Queen of Sheeba who would also be the son of King Solomon. It might also explain why Ethopia has some of the oldest Jewish poulations in the world.

Dmitri

Dear Friends,

Yes, certainly there is an ancient Ark at Axum in Ethiopia that people do not even gaze upon because it is believed this would result in instant death as in the time of King David.

The Ethiopian Church organizes its liturgical life around an Ark that is built for each parish and is named after a saint.

Some have suggested that there was more than one Ark in Old Testament times - who knows for sure?

St David-Menelik ben Solomon, the first Ethiopian Emperor and son of St Makeda the Queen of Sheba visited "dear old dad" in Jerusalem .

He is said to have taken the Ark from there to Ethiopia and there is a whole story written up about the transfer.

But the Temple at Jerusalem would have continued to have had an Ark and so both places could not have had the same Ark!

Ethiopia did receive Judaism from Israel in those days including the emblem of King David, the six-pointed star.

After receiving Christianity, Ethiopia blended the Gospel with its own brand of Judaism, which also has pagan cultural influences and some from Islam.

I've always loved the Ethiopian tradition, it is just so vibrant and colourful!

Alex

No, man. Haven't you guys ever seen the ending of Raiders of the Lost Ark? We have the Ark here in Ottawa, at the Museum of Civilization's store room 5111 NA06-05.

Daniil

Oh - someone should tell H.H. Pope Shenouda.

Dmitri

Interesting point, Alex...in Amharic the Ehtiopians refer to every tabernacle in their churches as "Tabot" or "Ark".

Daniil, maybe we had better let the monks in Axum know so they can send a guardian? I hope there's no guys in brown shirts with red armbands and monacles hanging around there...

[ 07-18-2002: Message edited by: Diak ]

Dear Friends,

The Ethiopian priests have this wonderful tradition of holding a Cross in their hands.

I've picked it up in private and it has made my prayer life blossom like an African lily!!

There's a meaningful sense of "taking up one's Cross" by holding one in one's hand as often as we can!

Alex

Slava Isusu Christu!

Daniil-LOL!

Everyone else- So, might any of you have a link or some more information regarding the ark? I mean, any articles, books or websites. I'm sure that it's mere existence to this date would finally put to rest those ignorants who write books like "surpassing wonder". Anywho, thank you for all the info you have given, it is very helpful and I am most happy that the Holy Ark is guarded by such faithful people and that the Ark is in Christian possestion.

P.S. might any of you give me some biblical verses pertaining to the ark? i.e., its creation, it's importance to the people of Israel, it's powers granted unto Israel as they traveled through the desert, etc.

Thank you all very much!
-Justin

Just this last request then I'll go away

Nothing? Not even a link? Not even a hot pocket?
(no, don't eat the kitty... No, stroke him, pet him, love him)

I'm not denying that the ark could be in Axum, but here is the last Sacred Scripture speaks of the ark from 2 Maccabees chapter 2:

5 And Jeremiah came and found a cave, and he brought there the tent and the ark and the altar of incense, and he sealed up the entrance.
6 Some of those who followed him came up to mark the way, but could not find it.
7 When Jeremiah learned of it, he rebuked them and declared: "The place shall be unknown until God gathers his people together again and shows his mercy.
8 And then the Lord will disclose these things, and the glory of the Lord and the cloud will appear, as they were shown in the case of Moses, and as Solomon asked that the place should be specially consecrated."

Also, what need is there for the old ark of the covenant? It was merely a shadow of what was to come as Hebrews states. Who needs a wooden box with the word in stone, when we have the All-Holy Theotokos who contains the Word made flesh? In other words, the Ark of the New Covenant, the Blessed Mother is not hidden but available for all our intercessions! Thanks be to God!

Psalm 132:8 Arise, O LORD, and go to thy resting place, thou and the ark of thy might.

This refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, his glorious ascension, and then also the assumption of the "ark", the Blessed Virgin.

yours in Christ,
Marshall

Dear Marshall,

A good question!

The Ark of the Covenant is highly venerated by many Alexandrian Christians, especially Ethiopians and Nubians.

What is its enduring significance? These Christians celebrate the significance of both Covenants.

Their Crosses always have a square attached to the bottom with ten marks for the ten commandments, both of which bear the Presence of God or the Shekinah.

The Ark of the Covenant is also prefigured in the Book of Revelation and is symbolic of the connection between the New and Old Testaments.

They celebrate Saturday AND Sunday, circumsize AND baptize etc.

While the Byzantine and Latin Churches don't do that, the celebration of the Old Testament symbolism that is completed in the New Testament helps to bring deeper meaning to salvation history.

That is why the Alexandrian Christians honour the Ark AND Our Lady of Zion.

Alex

My Ethiopian Orthodox friends follow the Kosher dietary laws, absolutely no pork. The priest also removes his shoes before proceeding into the altar.

And there is the Fellajh, the Jewish Ethiopians who claim to be the lost tribe of Israel. A very fascinating history.

Dear Diak,

You have Ethiopian Orthodox friends? You never cease to amaze me, Brother!

They are very hospitable, are they not? The entire community got together to revamp a warehouse that they converted (no pun intended) into a large church here.

Alex