Jesus ascended in heaven almost 2000 years ago. That’s given Christians plenty of time to construct churches – and watch them crumble from the forces of time.

Below are 19 haunting photos of old church buildings in various states of ruin.

[See also: 14 Inspiring Photos of Mass Celebrated in War Zones]

[See also: 1,782 Years Old: Inside the Oldest Church in the World]

Now, as you go through the list, think of the Christian communities that used these buildings: the innumerable baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Think of the pastors who dedicated their lives to serving in them. Think of the workers poured themselves into building them for God.

And then let their current condition remind you of the temporality of this world.

You can check the caption for any information about where the church is located. And you can click on any image to enlarge it.

Enjoy!

Belgium / Dennis Jarvis, Flickr
Belgium / Dennis Jarvis, Flickr
Lisbon, Portugal / Bert Kaufmann, Flickr
Lisbon, Portugal / Bert Kaufmann, Flickr
Chicago, IL / Ashley Diener, Flickr
Chicago, IL / Ashley Diener, Flickr
Moscow Oblast, Russia / carlfbagge, Flickr
Moscow Oblast, Russia / carlfbagge, Flickr
Haghpat, Armenia / Lorenzoclick, Flickr
Haghpat, Armenia / Lorenzoclick, Flickr
Ireland / tea, Flickr
Ireland / tea, Flickr
Tsqaltubo, Georgia / Berdo Maghularia, Flickr
Tsqaltubo, Georgia / Berdo Maghularia, Flickr
Edinburgh, Scotland / smilla4, Flickr
Edinburgh, Scotland / smilla4, Flickr
Angola / jbdodane, Flickr
Angola / jbdodane, Flickr
Suffolk, England / David Merrett, Flickr
Suffolk, England / David Merrett, Flickr
Rathcormac, Cork, Ireland / Alison Killilea, Flickr
Rathcormac, Cork, Ireland / Alison Killilea, Flickr
Ireland / Walt Hubis, Flickr
Ireland / Walt Hubis, Flickr
Khorion, Greece / Vicky Tsavdaridou, Flickr
Khorion, Greece / Vicky Tsavdaridou, Flickr
Lippstadt, Germany / Thomas Mues, Flickr
Lippstadt, Germany / Thomas Mues, Flickr
Hampshire, England / JackPeasePhotography, Flickr
Hampshire, England / JackPeasePhotography, Flickr
Ireland / The Mask and Mirror, Flickr
Ireland / The Mask and Mirror, Flickr
Headford, Ireland / Doug Kerr, Flickr
Headford, Ireland / Doug Kerr, Flickr
County Meath, Ireland / Holly Hayes, Flickr
County Meath, Ireland / Holly Hayes, Flickr
Quecholac, Mexico / rageforst æsthir, Flickr
Quecholac, Mexico / rageforst æsthir, Flickr

[See also: 6 of the Oldest Images of Our Lord Jesus Christ]

[See also: 8 of the Oldest Images of the Blessed Virgin Mary]

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