- Address: Tabha, Israel;
- Discovery: 1982;
- Phone: +972 4-667-8100;
- Website: dormitio.net;
- Affiliation: The Catholic Church.
The Church of the Multiplication of Bread and Fishes is a temple belonging to Catholics and located in an area known by the Arabic name Tabha in Israel . Earlier in its location was an Arab village until the Arab-Israeli war, when in 1948 the territory was conquered by the Israeli army. Over time, a temple was built here, representing architectural, cultural and historical value, and attracting tourists from all countries.
History of the Church
On the site of the erection, the ruins of the Byzantine church were discovered earlier. The territory was chosen not only for this reason. According to the Gospel, one of the most important Christian miracles happened here - Jesus Christ managed to feed 5 thousand people, using only 2 fish and 5 slices of bread.
Before the advent of modern construction on this site, churches were already erected dedicated to the multiplication of bread and fish. The first was built in the IV century and, according to the statements of the pilgrimess of Egeria, the altar was the very stone where Jesus performed a miracle by increasing the number of fish and bread. The temple was rebuilt and expanded in 480 AD - the altar was moved to the east.
In 614, it was destroyed by the Persians, after which the place was abandoned for 13 centuries. About the building resembled only ruins. So it was until the German Catholic Society bought the territory for archaeological excavations.
Detailed study of the ruins began only in 1932. It was then that they discovered a mosaic of the 5th century and the foundation of an even older building of the 4th century. The exterior of the modern building, which was erected over the historical mosaic floor, completely replicates the church of the 5th century. Construction was completed in 1982, at the same time the temple was consecrated. The monks are Benedictine monks.
In 2015, a fire organized by Jewish extremists caused significant damage to the church. Restorative work was carried out until February 2017, it was then the first mass was held.
Architecture and interior of the temple
The Church of the Multiplication of Cereals and Fishes is a building, the central nave of which ends with a presbytery with a semicircular apse. The interior was specially designed rather modest, otherwise it would drown out the beauty of the mosaic.
During the archaeological excavations a large stone was found, which was placed under the altar, but it is not known exactly whether it was meant by the pilgrimage of Egeria. On the right of the altar you can see the remains of the foundation of the first church.
In the church come pilgrims and ordinary tourists from all over the world to see the restored mosaics on the floor. They are a unique example of early Christian art. On mosaics there are images of animals, plants (lotuses). Drawing of fish and a basket with bread is available in the front.
On both sides of the altar there are two icons in Byzantine style. On the one that is on the left, is depicted the Mother of God Odigitria and St. Joseph, who founded the first church in Tabgha. The icon on the right is Jesus Christ with the Gospel and St. Martyr of Jerusalem, who built the second church.
Information for tourists
The entrance to the church is free. It is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday inclusive - from 8 am to 5 pm. On Sundays - from 09:45 to 17:00. For visitors there are all the amenities like free parking and toilets. Near the church there is a cafe and a gift shop.
How to get there?
You can get to the temple by car from Tiberias on Highway 90, passing 10 km to the north, then turning on Highway 87 to Tabghi or by bus from Tiberias, but only until the intersection of Highway 97 and 87.