Churches are Nazareth's most impressive sites By TERRY HOUSHOLDER No longer a tiny hamlet as it was in the boyhood days of Jesus, Nazareth today is a sprawling and dusty city. With a population of 47,000, it is the largest Arab community in Israel. It takes a bit of imagination to visualize what it might have looked like in the first century when Jesus labored here in his earthly father's carpenter shop and worshiped in the synagogue. But some impressive Christian churches make it an inspiring place. The hilltop view we had over the city from our hotel, St. Margaret Hostel, was stunning both at sunset and in the early morning. From the third-story balcony we could see the old Arab town, where the Christian sites are located. It is predominately populated by Christian Arabs. Two-and-a-half miles to the east is Upper Nazareth, a Jewish community. We visited the modern Basilica of the Annunciation in the center of the old town. Tradition says it was built over the home of the Virgin Mary, where the angel Gabriel greeted her with news that she was to become the mother of the savior of the world. The basilica was completed in 1969 and is the fifth church built on the site. It was funded by Roman Catholic communities throughout the world. Colorful mosaics, gifts from donors from five continents, decorate the walls of the entranceway. One of the most beautiful is one depicting the visit of Pope Paul VI to the site in 1964. The basilica has two levels. The main feature of the lower church is the remains of an exposed cavern which the Franciscans who operate the holy place say is where the angel appeared to Mary. The upper floor serves as the parish church for the Roman Catholic community in Nazareth. While there, we witnessed a Mass being conducted for a group of Oriental visitors in English. We also visited St. Joseph's Church, referred to as the Church of the Carpenter's Shop. It is believed to have been the home of Joseph which was also where he located his workshop. In the floor of the church is a metal grill through which we viewed caverns below. They are said to have been originally grain silos dating from 1,000 B.C. which were later turned into living quarters and used for domestic purposes for centuries. Also near St. Joseph's is the Old Synagogue, a simple building which stands on the site of a synagogue which existed during Jesus' time. It is believed to be where Jesus worshiped and taught. The building is owned by the Greek Catholic Church, and contains a plain altar. A few wooden stalls are the only furniture. Also in the vicinity is the Church of St. Gabriel, operated by the Greek Orthodox Church, which we also visited briefly. It is built over Nazareth's only freshwater spring, which the Holy Family would have visited daily 2,000 years ago. With noisy, bustling streets outside, we found the churches of Nazareth are the best places to reflect on the significance of this Galilean town.  Return to Holy Land up Close index   Return to News-Sun & Evening Star Copyright Kendallville Publishing Company