From Capernaum to Nazareth

After touring Capernaum, we traveled a short ways along the shore of the Sea of Galilee to the Church of the Primacy of Peter. A short walk separates the church from the nearby parking lot and tourism center (which featured a fountain with a variety of brightly colored fish). Once we had our fill of exploring, we hiked up the hill to the church.

There was plenty of exploring to do up there as well. The church itself is a beautiful stone structure, built upon the ruins of a 4^th century chapel. According to tradition, it is the same spot where Jesus laid out a breakfast of bread and fish for His disciples two thousand years ago. The Rock of St. Peter protrudes from the church’s floor, a unique replacement for the typical altar. Outside, the church stands a stone’s throw from the Sea of Galilee; the distant shores of Syria shimmered through the mist rising from the water.  The entire scene creates an atmosphere of peace and spiritual richness.

But we weren’t there just to poke around; our clergy team had prepared the outside worship area for a special confirmation service for one of our students, Hannah. It was an amazing thing to see someone confirmed at the Rock of St. Peter, and Hannah was more than a little excited for it. And it was perfect; the sun was setting, the air was cool, and the birds were singing as Bishop Tom confirmed her and led us all through a reaffirmation of our confirmation vows.

The Confirmation at the Sea of Galilee

After some extended photo ops, we packed up and left for St. Margaret’s Guesthouse in Nazareth. We were in for another treat; as we rounded the hills that surround the Sea of Galilee, a beautiful sunset lit up the western sky, prompting several “ooh”s and “aah”s and a barrage of camera flashes.

Sunset in the Galilee

The courtyard at the Guesthouse.

An hour later, we arrived at the Guesthouse with just enough time to unpack and unwind before dinner. Tomorrow’s it, folks. We’ll have one more entry then an 8:00 am departure from Tel Aviv (after getting up at 3am!). See you all soon!

All text and photographs by

MacLean Cadman

Communication, 2012

Boston College