Church of the Nativity (Basilica of the Nativity)

Remember that Mary and Joseph, as Jews living under the laws of the Old Testament, would never have eaten pork, shellfish, lobster or shrimp. Lamb, beef or goat was consumed, but not frequently, and certainly not daily. A poor couple would more usually have eaten: fish, poultry, eggs, goat cheese.

The Church of the Nativity is managed under the terms and provisions of the 'Status Quo of the Holy Places', which is implemented by the three churches occupying the place; the Greek Orthodox Church, the Custody of the Holy Land and the Armenian Patriarchate.