Monastery Of The Holy Apostles
Significance
The church marks the site of the ancient village of Capernaum, which is an important place in Christianity. The village is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and was Jesus' main base during his Galilean ministry. It is referred to as Jesus' own city and a place where he lived. It was in the synagogue of Capernaum where he first started to preach.
Those who claim that the church is dedicated the seven apostles (or rather five apostles and two more disciples), base it on the Gospel of John, chapter 21. The church is actually dedicated to all twelve apostles, which also make sense due to the long stay of Jesus and his closest disciples in Capernaum.
History
The monastery was founded at the beginning of the 20th Century on a site acquired by the Jerusalem Patriarchate. This church was built as part of the monastery complex in 1925. In the 1980s, the church was completely rebuilt; only the 1931 stone iconostasis was preserved from the former church. In 1995-2000, the church was painted by the Greek artist Konstantin Dzumakis. The walls of the church depict gospel scenes, many of which took place in Capernaum and its environs: the calming of the storm, Jesus walking on water, the amazing catch of fish from John 21, and Jesus healing the sick.
Location
The church is situated in the more recent, north-eastern part of the ruined ancient town, which is where the inhabitants relocated after the destruction of the old town from the time of Jesus, as a result of either the 749 Galilee earthquake or of a man-made event of the 7th or 8th century.
References
- ^ "Holy Monastery of the Holy Apostles in Capernaum". Holy Monasteries and Hegoumeneia (Abbot's Quarters) outside Jerusalem. Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Retrieved 3 July 2018.
Holy Monastery of the Holy Apostles in Capernaum [as opposed to Holy Monastery of the Twelve Apostles in Tiberias]
- ^ "The Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles". Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- ^ "Greek Orthodox Church of the Twelve Apostles, Capernaum". Israel and You. 10 March 2013. Retrieved 2014-11-10.
I spoke with Father Irinako [sic, Irinarchos] who is in charge of the church and he assured me that the correct name of the Church is The Greek Orthodox Church of the Twelve Apostles, Capernaum, Israel.
- ^ "Capernaum". sacred-destinations.com. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
32°52′55″N 35°34′38″E / 32.88184°N 35.577335°E