ORTHODOX HOLY LAND
HOLY APOSTLES MONASTERY
CAPERNAUM
"Early in the morning, Jesus stood by the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus." (John 21:4)
The small, red-domed Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles (built in 1931) marks the site to which the village of Capernaum was relocated following the earthquake in 746. The church is dedicated to the seven apostles (Simon called Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, "and two other disciples") mentioned in the Gospel of John when Jesus appears again to his disciples "by the Sea of Tiberias".
Capernaum is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and was Jesus' main base during his Galilean ministry. It is referred to as Jesus' "own city" (Mt 9:1; Mk 2:1) and a place where he lived (Mt 1:13). He probably chose it simply because it was the home of his first converts, Peter and Andrew (Mk 1:21, 29).
Many familiar Gospel events occurred in this village. Capernaum is where Jesus first began to preach after the Temptation in the wilderness (Mt 1:12-17) and called Levi from his tax-collector's booth (Mk 2:13-17). It was while teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum that he said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (Jn 6:54)
Capernaum is where Jesus healed a centurion's servant without even seeing him (Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10), Peter's mother-in-law (Mt 8:14-15; Mk 1:29-30); the paralytic who was lowered thorugh the roof (Mk 2:1-12), and many others who were brought to him (Mt 8:16-17). And it was Capernaum that Jesus had set out from when he calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mt 8:23-27).
Jesus was harsh with his adopted home when it proved unrepentent despite his many miracles. "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you" (Mt 11:23-24).
Left: Inside the entrance of the church is an impressive Monastery shop selling icons, jewellery and many other items. Middle and Left: Icons depicting the events at the Sea of Galilee.
Some of the wildlife that can be found at the monastery. They also have Jerusalem donkeys and many other breeds of birds.
Left: To the right of the walkway is the entrance of the church. The entrance door is located on the left as you walk down the pathway. Middle: Continuing down the pathway is tables and amazing view of the Sea of Galilee.
Left: Entrance to the Monastery. Middle: Walkway to church and sea. Right: Guest house at end of walk way.
Address: Highway 87, Capernaum. Click the link below to find the exact location on google maps. The monaster is simply called Greek Orthodox Monastery on google maps. The first monastery you will come accros is the Catholic Monastery, the Russian Orthodox Monastery is another 10 minutes drive.
Mosiacs on the buildings to the left and right of the courtyard.
The sign outside of the entrance to the Church.
Opening times:
7am to 12pm (Midday)
1pm to 6pm
Sundays: 7am to 1pm
Keep in mind times change without notice.
Church bell tower.
Behind the glass door is the stairs the Virgin Mary walked down to pray in the place where the Archangel Gabriel announced the conception of Jesus.
The spring is pumped into this water system where pilgrims can take water as a blessing. Remember to bring a bottle. They sell bottles in the stall outside but it is not always open.
Capernaum was the fishing destination in the time of the disciples. As you exit the monastery and drive to the main highway, turn right. This restuarant is famous for their fishes. Cost is 20US with buffet salad bar. They also sell 3 or 4 other dishes on their menu. It closes at 4pm and is best to make a booking to ensure a table. Ph:
Beautiful wood carving of the Virgin Mary above the spring of water.