What is the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Capernaum?

The Church of the Twelve Apostles, also known as the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles or the Church of the Apostles, is a stunning Greek Orthodox Church situated within the ancient ruins of Capernaum. It forms a part of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Apostles.

What are the artistic highlights of the Church of the Twelve Apostles?

The church underwent significant reconstruction in the 1980s, preserving the 1931 stone iconostasis from the original structure. Greek artist Konstantin Dzumakis contributed to the church's beauty by decorating its interior with vibrant frescoes depicting gospel scenes set in and around Capernaum. These frescoes include depictions of Christ the Pantocrator, scenes from the Gospels like Jesus walking on water, and the dramatic portrayal of Judgement Day on the back wall, which serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions in the afterlife.

Who was responsible for the artistic decorations inside the Church of the Twelve Apostles?

Greek artist Konstantin Dzumakis was responsible for the vibrant frescoes and icons adorning the interior of the Church of the Twelve Apostles. Between 1995 and 2000, he decorated most of the church's surfaces with scenes from the Gospels, including depictions of Jesus walking on water, the calming of the storm, and the miraculous catch of fish. Notable domes feature Christ the Pantocrator and Christ as the Ancient of Days surrounded by prophets and patriarchs.

The Church of the Twelve Apostles in Capernaum

The Church of the Twelve Apostles (also known as the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles or simply the Church of the Apostles) is a beautiful Greek Orthodox Church that is situated amidst the ruins of ancient Capernaum. It is part of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Apostles.

Location

The Church of the Twelve Apostles is located north of the Sea of Galilee, east of the area of Capernaum owned by the Catholic Church.

Biblical context

Capernaum, frequently mentioned in the Gospels, was Jesus’ primary base during his Galilean ministry. The church’s name, while sometimes associated with the seven disciples who saw Jesus by the Sea of Galilee resurrection in John 21, it is actually dedicated to all twelve apostles of Jesus.

When morning came, He called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Luke 6:13-16

Architectural and Artistic Grandeur

The Church of the Twelve Apostles is believed to be built on the remnants of a Byzantine church dedicated to St. John the Theologian. The church was probably destroyed in the earthquake of 749AD and then laid in ruins for more than 1,000 years.

In 1931 a new church was rebuilt that consisted of is a small, cross-shaped structure with pristine white walls. It boasts two central domes surrounded by six smaller ones, each adorned with a cross.

Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Church of the Twelve Apostles found itself in a demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria. This location meant that local Christians and pilgrims could not access it, leading to its decay. The church even served as a barn for Druze residents during this period. Only after the Six Day War in 1967 that restoration efforts began, starting with the removal of a thick layer of cow manure that covered the floor.

Artistic Highlights of the Church of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of the Twelve Apostles underwent major reconstruction in the 1980s, preserving only the 1931 stone iconostasis from the original structure.

Between 1995 and 2000, Greek artist Konstantin Dzumakis decorated the church with frescoes that depict gospel scenes, many of which transpired in Capernaum and its surroundings.

Konstantin Dzumakis decorated most of the surfaces of the church’s interior with brightly-colored frescoes and icons. Two notable domes feature Christ the Pantocrator (All-powerful) surrounded by 12 prophets and Christ as the Ancient of Days, surrounded by 12 patriarchs. Other artworks depict scenes from the Gospels, such as Jesus walking on water, the calming of the storm, and the miraculous catch of fish.

The church’s back wall is covered with an impressive fresco is the dramatic portrayal of Judgement Day. This artwork serves as a reminder to anyone existing the church of the eternal consequences of our earthly actions in the afterlife. It depicts the contrast between those who will be saved and the damned.

The church’s design is unique as combines traditional Greek Orthodox iconostasis design with themes from the Hebrew Bible, and Hellenic figures (such as Alexander the Great and Aristotle).

Nearby Sites

Mount of Beatitudes: A hilltop location believed to be where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.
Church of the Multiplication: A church that commemorates Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish.
Bethsaida: An ancient city known as the birthplace of several of Jesus’ apostles.
Church of the Primacy of Peter: The spot where Jesus is believed to have reinstated Peter as the chief of the apostles.
Domus Galilaeae: Amodern Christian retreat center offers spiritual teachings and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.