The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter commemorates two significant events following Jesus’s crucifixion. The first event occurs when Jesus is resurrected and appears before his disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in an abundant catch of 153 fish. Recognizing Jesus, they share a breakfast meal together, affirming his resurrection and lordship. Hence, the church is known as “The Mensa Christi” or “Table of the Lord.”
The second event revolves around Jesus’s conversation with Peter. He asks Peter three times if he loves him. After Peter affirms, Jesus commissions him to “shepherd his flock.” This interaction underscores Peter’s role as a leader within the Christian community, leading to the church’s designation as “The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter.”
The miraculous catch of 153 fish symbolizes the multitude of believers who will follow the teachings of the apostles, casting a wide net to gather them into the fold of Christianity. Thus, the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter holds profound significance in Christian tradition, commemorating these pivotal moments in the life of Jesus and the early disciples.
Peter Primacy Story:
Peter holds a significant role in Christian tradition as he is believed to be the first pope. Jesus bestowed upon Peter the keys of heaven, symbolizing his authority, during an encounter at Caesarea Philippi. This act signifies Peter’s leadership and authority within the Christian community.
However, Peter’s journey to leadership is marked by moments of challenge and redemption. One such instance is Peter’s denial of Jesus on the night of the betrayal by the High Priest in Jerusalem. Following this denial, Jesus seeks Peter’s affirmation of love three times, corresponding to Peter’s three denials. After Peter’s declaration of love, Jesus entrusts him with the responsibility to “shepherd his flock,” signifying Peter’s role as a leader and caretaker of the Christian community.
This narrative underscores the theme of redemption and forgiveness, highlighting Peter’s transformation from a flawed disciple to a steadfast leader within the early Christian movement. It serves as a foundational story within Christian theology, emphasizing the importance of humility, repentance, and commitment to one’s faith.
Inside the Church
At the entrance to the church, visitors are greeted by a well-tended garden, with separate buildings housing the Franciscan nuns and monks. The church itself stands upon the ruins of a Byzantine church that fell during the thirteenth century Mamluk conquest. Over the years, the church underwent renovations in 1933 and a more extensive refurbishment in 1981.
Ancient accounts, including those from Christian travelers dating back to the fourth century, speak of a stairway leading directly from the church building to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. However, the central focus of the church lies within its bedrock, known as the “Mensa Christi” or Table of the Lord. According to tradition, this is the spot where Jesus shared a meal of bread and fish with his disciples.
Within the garden surrounding the church, visitors will encounter a bronze statue depicting Jesus presenting a shepherd’s staff to Peter, symbolizing the transfer of authority. While no such staff is mentioned in historical accounts, the symbolism is clear: Peter, despite his human flaws, was chosen by Jesus to lead and guide his followers.
A poignant reminder of Peter’s journey is found hanging from one of the trees—a paper adorned with small images of past popes, excluding the most recent. This serves as a tribute to the legacy of leadership passed down through generations, with special recognition given to the visits of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. Overall, the church of the Primacy of St. Peter offers a profound reflection on human fallibility, divine forgiveness, and the enduring power of faith.
Basic information
Church name Church of the Primacy of St. Peter /Mensa Christi Church
Address: Tabgha
Map
Christianity order: Roman-Catholic, Benedictine
Year of build : 1933
Arrival options
| Bus lines | Bus number 52,142 |
| Car | Look for a parking on the main road. |
| Taxi | Ask the driver to take you to St. Peter church כנסיית סנט פיטר בטבחה |
Logistic information:
Accessibility: You have to use stairs to get to the path leading to the church. Except for these stairs, it is suitable for wheelchairs.
Opening Hours: Mondays-Fridays 8:00-17:00, Saturdays 08:00-15:00, Sundays closed.
Telephone number 972-(0)4-6724767.
Toilets: Open to public and free of charge.
Nearby site activities
We are in Capernaum, near the National Park where, according to archaeological evidence, there is an old church and a house that pertain to Jesus.
My experience
Visiting the church with a pilgrim group adds a special dimension to the experience, as travelers can witness the Sea of Galilee stretching out before them and easily envision the events that unfolded in this historic setting. There’s a sense of excitement among visitors as they have the opportunity to see and even touch the stone that tradition holds was the very one on which Jesus prepared a meal for his disciples.
Standing amidst fellow pilgrims, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Sea of Galilee, one can’t help but feel a profound connection to the site’s ancient stories and spiritual significance. It’s a moment of reflection and reverence, where the tangible presence of history merges with personal faith and devotion. Whether alone or in a group, a visit to the church of the Primacy of St. Peter is a memorable journey into the heart of Christian tradition and belief.
