Day 3 (4) The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes or The Church of the Multiplication, Tabgha

Our next destination was Tabcha (Tabgha) or or Ein Sheva, is a site on the north-west shore of the Sea of Galilee. There we saw a small but beautiful church which is built at the site where the miracle of multiplication 5 loaves of bread and two fish to feed 5000 people were performed. The present church built in 1982 stands on the site of 4th and 5th-century churches. It preserves a splendid early Christian mosaic as well as the traditional stone on which the miraculous meal was laid. We could feel this stone with our hands. In side the church people were lighting candles as offering. We also lit some candles. The church has a beautiful courtyard out side and inside. As we were walking out of the church we were amazed by a birds nest on the roof of the portico. The nest had two parent birds and two siblings who posed for photo session without any fear. Outside the church we saw a man and woman performing music, may be to collect some money. I noticed some tourists offering them money in a box kept in front of them.
Note
1. In ancient times, Tabgha was known as Heptapegon - "Place of the Seven Springs." These seven springs produce warm water, which increases the production of algae in this part of the lake, and the algae attracts more fish. Fisherman have flocked to Heptapegon for thousands of years.
2. Christian historians have surmised that Jesus came here when he looked for solitude ,especially since it was close to the Galilee city of Kfar Nahum (Capernaum).