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The Bishopric at Lydda is one of the oldest and most significant Bishoprics in the early Christian Church. Founded in the 1st century, there has been a Bishop of Lydda continuously since.
In early Christian times Lydda (today Lod) was a prosperous Jewish town, located on the intersection of the North - South and the Egypt to Babylon roads, it was made wealthy on the trade that passed through it. It was a natural point to establish a church, which was already established when Saint Peter visited the city between 31–36AD. The founding date of the Bishopric is unknown but by 120AD most of its inhabitants were Christian. The earliest known bishop is Aëtius, a friend of Arius. St George, Patron Saint of England was born in the town.
In December 415, the Council of Diospolis was held in the Bishopric to try Pelagius; he was acquitted.