an eastern orthodox church was built in the village in 1858, and a larger latin (catholic) church dedicated to st. joseph was built in 1859, adjacent to the ruins of st. george's church. in the courtyard of st. george's church is a sarcophagus. st. george's church has continued to serve as a place of worship into the modern era and has been the site of archaeological excavation since the mid-19th century. mass is still held at its altar on certain occasions. in 1882 the palestine exploration fund's "survey of western palestine" described jifna as an important christian village, with a latin church and a convent.