Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes
About Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes
The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes is in the area of Tabgha on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is overseen by the Benedictine Order.
History
In the 5th century, the original small Syriac church was replaced with a much larger and more elaborate Byzantine building that contains beautiful mosaics depicting animals, plants, and geometric figures. The ancient church was lost to time in the 7th century, rediscovered in the early 20th century, and rebuilt on the foundations of the old Byzantine church.
Mosaics of the Church
The highlight of the church is the Byzantine floor mosaic which survived after the original church’s destruction in the 7thcentury. The mosaic near the altar shows two fish on either side of a basket of loaves. Other features of the mosaic are lotus flowers, vines and animals such as ducks, doves, cranes, and herons. Beneath the altar is a large black rock which is believed to be where Jesus placed the fish and loaves as He blessed them.
Interesting Facts
- The name Tabgha comes from the Greek for “Seven Springs”. In ancient times, the water from the natural springs was collected in water towers and sent via aqueducts to nearby farmlands to irrigate the fields
- An excavated basalt stone front and oil presses can be found in the church courtyard.
- An auxiliary building next to the church was damaged by an arson attack committed by Jewish extremists in 2015.
