Greek Orthodox Momnastery of Twelve Apostles in Capernaum
Capernaum has great significance in Christianity and was even called «the town of Jesus», as he taught in his synagogue and performed miracles there. There are two sites in Capernaum, which you should not miss out, the first one is the Old Synagogue in the National Park and the second and less famous is the “Greek Orthodox Monastery if Twelve Apostles in Capernaum”.
The church is situated at the north-east of the site of Capernaum and overlooks the Sea of Galilee. It stands out in the landscape due to its red domes and white walls and is dedicated to the 12 apostles that has been chosen by Jesus and were active in this area. We are able to read about the appointment of the twelve apostles in Mark 3: 14-19.
He appointed twelve that might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve he appointed: Simon ( whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John ( to them he gave the name Boanerges, “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alpheus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him”.
Inside the Church
Inside the church you can see orthodox elements like oil lamps, golden paint and iconostasis. On the walls there are beautiful frescoes of the miracles of Jesus which occurred here in the area of Galilee. For example, you will notice the "catching a fish "miracle. You will also find a painting of his apostles and famous biblical scenes. The artist who did these paintings at the beginning of the 21st century was an expert in Byzantine style painting and it is showing.
Most important, do not miss the spectacular and the huge painting of Judgment Day rich in details such as an angel guarding the entrance to heaven, Adam and Eve, Solomon and David Fire Hell and much more.
Basic Information
Church name Greek Orthodox Momentary of Twelve Apostles in Capernaum
Address: Capernaum
Map
Christianity order: Orthodox Greece
Year of build : 1931
Important History
church was built in the beginning of the 20th century on a ruin of a Byzantine church. After the War of Independence from 1948 to 1967, the church remained neglected in the no-man's land near the Syrian-Israeli border. In 1969, the Greek church and monastery acquired by a Greek patriarch of Jerusalem Damianus and were renovated. The church is constructed in the style of a Greek church and in the shape of a cross. Here are two large main red domes with six more domes surrounding it.
Arrival options
| Bus lines | You may take the bus from Jerusalem to Tiberius. From here, drive to Kiryat Shmona and stop in Mount Beatitudes. From Mount beatitudes you can walk 20 Minuets and arrive the Orthodox church. |
| Car | You must reach Tabgha and then drive northward to Capharnaum. You can park inside the national park and walk by foot 15 minutes to the church. |
Logistic Information
Accessibility: The site is accessible for wheelchair
Opening times 09:00-17:00 daily. Please coordinate a head with the church: 972-(0)-53-2840991 or check via e-mail: [email protected]
Telephone number 972-(0)4-6722282.
972 (0)4 6722282
Toilet: available
Nearby site activities
Capernaum National Park and Tabgha churches.
My Experience
The church yard is delightful and makes you feel as if you were in Greece. If you're lucky, you'll see the peacock who lives in the backyard. If you are looking for a unique and artistic church filled with style, this is the place for you.