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A more relaxed day visiting the Sea of Galilee. We drove through Cana where we stopped at the supermarket to buy lunch. Our next stop was the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha, which houses the actual rock where Jesus is said to have placed the loaves and fishes while feeding the 5000 (Mark 6: 30-43). This has been a place of pilgrimage for 2000 years. It also houses and ancient mosaic floor which includes a picture of the 2 fish that is commonly seen represented in the area.
Inside the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes at Tagbha
The rock on which Jesus placed the loaves and fishes
A short walk brought us to another church on the bank of the Sea of Galilee – the Church of the Primacy of St Peter (Mensa Christie) – see John 21 1-17.
The Church of the Primacy of St Peter
A paddle in the Sea of Galilee was next:
Then to Capurnaum and the Orthodox Church of the 12 Apostles – the grounds of which were perfect for lunch.
The inside of this church is beautifully painted to show scenes from the life of Jesus.
From here we continued our journey to the mount of Beatitudes, where we sat on some rocks in some trees looking out over the Sea of Galilee. Quite a breeze had sprung up and the water had got quite rough. It reminded me of the story of Jesus calming the storm on water.
While there we heard read the Beatitudes by a member of the group and also a reflection by Elias Chacour:
http://www.cpt.org/resources/worship/services/be-attitudes
We had some welcome time then for quite reflection and we set up a Communion Station for those who wished to receive it.
After a round of ice creams we returned to our hotel in Nazareth. With an hour an a half before dinner, Julie and I set off to find the souk in Nazareth, not realising that it closed early. We found many closed shops! So we ended up at the Church of the Annunciation – where the Angel appeared to Mary telling her that she was to have a baby. It was open for prayer and so we went in for a few moments.
The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
Just time for a quick shower back at the hotel before dinner!
10 days in May 