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"Nazareth"

North District of Israel

Friday, ‎December ‎27, ‎2013

Seventh Day of my Holy Land Trip, Mount Zion, Jerusalem

My Holy Land Trip

"Nazareth"

North District of Israel

Nazareth illit - Upper Nazareth, is a city in the Northern District of Israel:

Nazareth is the largest city in the North District of Israel. Nazareth is known as "the Arab capital of Israel"; the population is made up predominantly of Arab citizens of Israel, almost all of whom are either Muslim (69%) or Christian (30.9%) In the New Testament, the city is described as the childhood home of Jesus, and as such is a center of Christian pilgrimage, with many shrines commemorating biblical events.

A morning view of Nazareth, from Nazareth Plaza Hotel, Hermon, Israel:

The city of Nazareth draws its worldwide reputation as the hometown of Jesus of Nazareth. The important role of Nazareth as a pilgrimage and religious center has had a dramatic impact on the history of the city. The special role Nazareth has in the Christian world created special conditions and a unique atmosphere in which a very diverse, rich and complex community has evolved.

A morning view of Nazareth, from Nazareth Plaza Hotel, Hermon, Israel:

The unique history of the city of Nazareth and its location in the heart of the Galilee region makes it one of the most interesting spots in any visit for the land of Israel.

If you have any question or inquiries about planning your Nazareth tour, please contact us using the form bellow, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ministry of Education Building, on the way to King Hussein Border crossing, Nazareth, Israel:

The city of Nazareth was a small and insignificant agricultural village in the time of Jesus. It had no trade routes, was of little economic importance and was never mentioned in the Old Testament or other ancient texts. Archaeological excavations indicate Nazareth was settled continuously from 900 – 600 BCE, with a break in settlement until 200 BCE, from which time it has been continuously inhabited. 

On the way to King Hussein Border crossing, Nazareth, Israel:

During the lifetime of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, it is believed the population did not exceed 500.  Nazareth was a small Jewish village where people knew one another, and like Jesus, lived, prayed and studied in the Jewish tradition. They gathered in the synagogue, meeting for prayer and holidays. To this day, visitors can see the Synagogue Church, dating from the Crusader period, which was built to commemorate the spot where it is believed Jesus prayed and preached (see Nazareth sites and attractions). The New Testament mentions Nazareth many times, referring to it as the home of Mary and Joseph, the town that inspired Jesus during his childhood and early manhood, the place of the Annunciation and his clash with fellow citizens who disapproved of his non-conventional way of thinking.

Agricultural farm in Nazareth, Northern District of Israel:

From the 1st to the 4th century AD, the small Christian presence in Nazareth was often persecuted for their beliefs. It was only later towards the 6th century when legends of Mary’s life began spreading, that the town of Nazareth became the Christian pilgrimage site it is to this day. During this time, the Byzantines built one of the first churches on what was believed to be the site of the Annunciation. With the arrival of the Crusaders in 1099, an era of growth began and they built a magnificent church in Roman style.  With the defeat of the Crusaders in 1291 by the Muslim army, and during Ottoman Rule (1517 – 1917) Nazareth fell into decline. It was only in 1720, when the Franciscans built a new church, that the site of the Annunciation was again revived. In 1955, the church was demolished to carry out extensive archaeological excavations and was finally rebuilt in 1969.

On the way to King Hussein Border crossing, agricultural farm in Nazareth, Northern District of Israel:

Nazareth Israel Today Modern day Nazareth is a bustling, growing city believed to be located very close to the origins of the ancient village. It is home to the largest Arab community in Israel and has a new quarter, Nazareth Illit, populated mainly by Jews. Amongst a fascinating array of churches of many denominations, a variety of cafes and restaurants has sprung up to make Nazareth a hot spot of tourism.  When you take our Nazareth Day Tour you can walk the cobble-stoned streets of the Old City, visit the famous spring believed to be that which fed Mary’s well, and see the remains of a cavern believed to be Joseph’s carpentry shop.   The life of Jesus of Nazareth will come alive as you witness the development of Nazareth through the ages, from an isolated village of little importance to the seat of one of Christianity’s most important sites. 

Agricultural farm in Northern Nazareth, Northern District of Israel:

Contact us today and book a Nazareth Day Tour, or reserve one of our expert Nazareth-Israel tour guides for an exceptional private tour of the city. Just fill in the details below and a Nazareth-Israel representative will get back to you shortly.

Agricultural farm in Northern Nazareth, Northern District of Israel:

The highest point in Israel is an inviting place to hike all year round. Skiers, of course, will head straight for Mount Hermon in winter, but those who prefer to walk can also have a ball there. When summer has already set in over the rest of the country, Mount Hermon is still bursting with the vitality of an extended springtime.

Agricultural farm in Northern Nazareth, Northern District of Israel:

In the dog days of July and August, take a break from the beach and the steaming city and cool off on the Golan. Don't forget to bring warm clothing with you - the nights are nippy. On a clear day, which is the norm in summer, you'll have a superb view of the mountains of: Galilee, the Golan, and southern Lebanon. And even in the middle of summer, there are still snowy areas in the upper part of Mount Hermon (the chair lift operates all year round).

On the way to King Hussein Border crossing, agricultural farm in Nazareth, Northern District of Israel:

Summer visitors can enter the site free of charge and take part in free tours led by guides from the Nature Reserves Authority. You can also take a jeep tour, with the expert assistance of Safari Hahermon.

On the way to King Hussein Border crossing, Israel:

The slopes of Mount Hermon offer other attractions as well. Part of the area is classified as a military zone, which means you'll have to make advance arrangements if you want to visit there. The hosts at your lodgings can tell you how.

Hotel Plaza Nazeret, Northern District of Israel:

A particularly noteworthy Hermon site is Har Habtarim, 1,296 meters above sea level on the slopes of Katef Sion. According to tradition, this is where God promised Abraham that He would give the land to his descendants. An ancient tomb marks the spot, and huge oaks grow next to it.

Hotel Plaza Nazeret, Northern District of Israel:

Next to the summit of Har Kahal (1411 meters above sea level), lead quarries have been discovered; the source of raw materials for the kohl used in ancient eye makeup. Further down is the proud Ka'alat Namrud, one of the best preserved maseluke fortresses from the Crusader period in Israel. The citadel overlooks the Banias Spring, where you can have a refreshing hike even on the hottest summer days.

Hotel Plaza Nazeret, Northern District of Israel:

At the Druse hospitality center in the village of Ein Kinya, you can learn about Druse life on the Golan and get a taste of it as well, with Druse pita, labaneh, and coffee.

District court of Nazareth, Israel:

Mount Hermon, soaring some 6,000 feet high, has nearly 28 miles of ski runs. There is something for every skier, from beginners to advanced, including two runs that have been approved by the International Ski Federation as Olympic-standard. It has four chairlifts and five T-bars to ferry skiers and sightseers up the mountain. There is also a ski school, and a well-equipped shop

 Makam El Nabi Sain, Nazareth:

There’s fun for non-skiers too: toboggan-riding for children, and a thrilling track-sled down a 950-yard course. On a rest between runs, or just to take in the view of the slopes and gorgeous surroundings, visitors can enjoy a bite to eat, a cup of hot cocoa or a bowl of soup in the glass-enclosed restaurant at the upper station. 

An olive press in Nazareth Village:

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"Cana Wedding Church"

Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna

Galilee, North District of Israel

Thursday, ‎December ‎26, ‎2013

Sixth Day of my Holy Land Trip, Mount Zion, Jerusalem

My Holy Land Trip

"Cana Wedding Church"

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, Northern District of Israel:

 In the Christian New Testament, the Gospel of John refers a number of times to a town called Cana of Galilee. The marriage at Cana Main article: Marriage at Cana Among Christians and other students of the New Testament, Cana is best known as the place where, according to the Fourth Gospel, Jesus performed his first public miracle, the turning of a large quantity of water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11 ) when the wine provided by the bridegroom had run out. Although none of the synoptic gospels records the event, mainstream Christian tradition holds that this is the first public miracle of Jesus.

However in John's gospel it has considerable symbolic importance: it is the first of the seven miraculous "signs" by which Jesus's divine status is attested, and around which the gospel is structured. It is still a matter of discussion among theologians whether the story talks of an actual material transformation of water into wine, or is a spiritual allegory. Interpreted allegorically, the good news and hope implied by the story is in the words of the Governor of the Feast when he tasted the good wine, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now" (John 2:10, NRSV). This could be interpreted by saying simply that it is always darkest before the dawn, but good things are on the way. 

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. Believers preparing for renewal of their marriage vows. Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, Northern District of Israel:

The more usual interpretation, however, is that this is a reference to the appearance of Jesus, whom the author of the Fourth Gospel regards as being himself the good wine. The story has had considerable importance in the development of Christian pastoral theology. The gospel account of Jesus being invited to a wedding, attending, and using his divine power to save the celebrations from disaster are taken as evidence of his approval for marriage and earthly celebrations, in contrast to the more austere views of Saint Paul as found, for example, in 1 Corinthians 7. It has also been used as an argument against Christian teetotalism.

Other references to Cana - The other biblical references to Cana are in John 4:46, which mentions Jesus is visiting Cana when he is asked to heal the son of a royal official at Capernaum; and John 21:2, where it is mentioned that the apostle Nathanael (usually identified with the Bartholomew included in the synoptic gospels' lists of apostles) comes from Cana. Cana of Galilee is not mentioned in any other book of the Bible, or in any other contemporary source. Locating Cana - There has been much speculation about where Cana might have been.

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. Believers preparing for renewal of their marriage vows. Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, Northern District of Israel:

In his Gospel, the author makes no claim to have been at the wedding himself. Some Christians regard the story of the wedding at Cana as having more theological than historical or topographical significance, but most do not. Likewise, some (but not all) modern scholars hold that the Fourth Gospel was addressed to a group of Jewish Christians, and, very possibly, a group living in Judea. There are four villages in Galilee which are candidates for biblical Cana: Kafr Kanna, Israel; Kenet-el-Jalil, Israel; Ain Kana, Israel; and Qana, Lebanon. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1914, a tradition dating back to the 8th century identifies Cana with the modern Arab town of Kafr Kanna, about 7 km northeast of Nazareth, Israel. 

However more recent scholars have suggested alternatives, including the ruined village of Kenet-el-Jalil (also known as Khirbet Kana), about 9 km further north, and Ain Kana, which is closer to Nazareth and considered by some to be a better candidate on etymological grounds. The village of Qana, in southern Lebanon, is another candidate for the location. Many Lebanese, Christians and Muslims, believe the village to be the correct site. This is not a matter on which certainty is ever likely to be achieved.

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. Believers preparing for renewal of their marriage vows. Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, Northern District of Israel:

Location of Cana There is four villages in Galilee which are candidates for biblical Cana: 1.Kafr Kanna, Israel; 2.Kenet-el-Jalil, Israel; 3.Ain Kana, Israel; and 4.Qana, Lebanon. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia of 1914, a tradition dating back to the 8th century identifies Cana with the modern Arab town of Kafr Kanna, about 7 km northeast of Nazareth, Israel. However more recent scholars have suggested alternatives, including the ruined village of Kenet-el-Jalil (also known as Khirbet Kana), about 9 km further north, and Ain Kana, which is closer to Nazareth and considered by some to be a better candidate on etymological grounds. The village of Qana, in southern Lebanon, is another candidate for the location. Many Lebanese, Christians and Muslims, believe the village to be the correct site. This is not a matter on which certainty is ever likely to be achieved.

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. Believers renew their marriage vows. Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, Northern District of Israel:

The Marriage at Cana Among Christians and other students of the New Testament, Cana is best known as the place where, according to the Fourth Gospel, Jesus performed his first public miracle, the turning of a large quantity of water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11) when the wine provided by the bridegroom had run out (see Jars of Cana). Although none of the synoptic gospels records the event, mainstream Christian tradition holds that this is the first public miracle of Jesus. However in John's gospel it has considerable symbolic importance: it is the first of the seven miraculous "signs" by which Jesus's divine status is attested, and around which the gospel is structured.

It is still a matter of discussion among theologians whether the story talks of an actual material transformation of water into wine, or is a spiritual allegory. Interpreted allegorically, the good news and hope implied by the story is in the words of the Governor of the Feast when he tasted the good wine, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now" (John 2:10, NRSV). This could be interpreted by saying simply that it is always darkest before the dawn, but good things are on the way. The more usual interpretation, however, is that this is a reference to the appearance of Jesus, whom the author of the Fourth Gospel regards as being himself the good wine. 

A picture of History, where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding in Cana:

The story has had considerable importance in the development of Christian pastoral theology. The gospel account of Jesus being invited to a wedding, attending, and using his divine power to save the celebrations from disaster are taken as evidence of his approval for marriage and earthly celebrations, in contrast to the more austere views of Saint Paul as found, for example, in 1 Corinthians 7. 

It has also been used as an argument against Christian teetotalism. Other references to Cana The other biblical references to Cana are in John 4:46, which mentions Jesus is visiting Cana when he is asked to heal the son of a royal official at Capernaum; and John 21:2, where it is mentioned that the apostle Nathanael (usually identified with the Bartholomew included in the synoptic gospels' lists of apostles) comes from Cana. Cana of Galilee is not mentioned in any other book of the Bible, or in any other contemporary source.

The archaeological excavation below the Wedding Church at Cana. This is the place where stone water jar were filled by water, which Jezus changed into the wine:

Travel to Cana Christian Israel tours often visit wonderful sites such as Cana because of the rich first-hand experience they provide those who pilgrim to Israel to see for themselves the places they have only been able to read about. Cana, the Arab village of Kafr Cana located in Lower Galilee, is often referred to as Cana of the Galilee. It is the place where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine.

Kafr Cana was officially recognized by the Vatican in the 17th century, being confirmed by the pope that Kafr Cana is the same as Cana of the Galilee. As a result, Cana was added to the list of holy places in the Christian faith, which increased its popularity amongst tours to the Holy Land. There was a large Jewish population here in the Roman-Byzantine period (1-2 millennia ago), but this changed by the Mameluke period (800 years ago) and the majority of residents were Christians by this time.

There are still a few remains from ancient buildings and burial caves in the center of the village, though the villagers have built new houses to the southeast and northeast. Arguably the most important site is the Catholic Church which was built in 1879 on the site where the water was turned to wine. Next to this church is the Greek Orthodox church of St. George, which was built in 1886 and supposed contains the stone jars which followers believed held the miraculous wine. A third church was built on the site where Jesus’ disciple Bartholomew’s house stood. 

This is a stone water jar in the lower part of the archaeological excavation below the Wedding Church at Cana,  Israel:

In commemoration of the miraculous changing of water to wine at the wedding in Cana, it has become a popular destination wedding site as a result. Known for its archaeological sites, wine and miraculous history, Cana is a popular and wonderful site to add to your Israel tour. John Chapter 2:1-11 1 On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. 3 When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 

Street, from the Cana Wedding Church, Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel:

Travel to The Wedding Church in Cana Tours to the Holy Land often take time to visit the Wedding Church in Cana. Located just outside of Nazareth, this is the location of the first miracle performed by Jesus during a wedding feast in which he turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). The Wedding Church was built in the 19th century by Franciscans to commemorate this event. It is said in the scriptures that the water used by Jesus was “the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing” (John 2:6) and was stored in jars of stone. It has become a modern tradition for couples to renew their vows or propose in Cana as the Wedding Church has great symbolism—a must-see during your tour to the Holy Land.

The location of the Cana visited by Jesus is disputed and not known for certain. Kafr Kanna is the most traditional site and has the following factors in favor of its authenticity:

However, recent excavations on a hill just north of Nazareth have uncovered ruins of a Jewish village from the 1st century AD. The excavators think the biblical Cana could be there instead of at this site 1 km to the east.

A wine shop, especially for Cana wedding wine, on the main street, Cana, Kafr Kanna:

History records that a church was built in Cana by Empress Helena (mother of Constantine) in the 4th century, and this was identified with the remains of a large building found by travellers to Kafr Kanna in the 17th century.

Recent excavations have uncovered ruins of houses from the 1st-4th centuries AD, of a 5th-century atrium with portico, a Christian funerary building from the 5th or 6th century, and a medieval building

A Street, on the way to Cana Wedding Church, Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel: 

The land at Kafr Kanna was sold by the lord of Sidon to the Knights Hospitallers in 1254. The Franciscans became established here in 1641 and began building the present church over an older church in 1879. It was consecrated in 1883.

The Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana is small and fronted by a courtyard. The facade has angel figures and is flanked by two bell towers and over an arcades narthex.

A general view of Kafr Kanna:

Inside, the church has two levels. The upper church has a chapel surmounted by a simple dome. In the nave just before the stairs is a fragment of a Byzantine mosaic dating from the 5th or 6th century and preserves the name of the donor in Aramaic: "In memory of the pious Joseph, son of Tanhum, son of Bota and of his children who made this table, may it be for them a blessing, Amen."

The lower church has a chapel and a small museum with artifacts from the site, including a winepress, a plastered cistern and vessels of various dates. One old jar is said to be one of the six jars used for the miracle.

Opposite the Franciscan church is a Greek Orthodox church, which is usually closed. Two 13th-century capitals are displayed near it.

The ruins of ancient Cana are on top of a small rounded hill rising 60m above the plain. They can be seen on the eastern slope (Byzantine and early Arabic), around the top slopes, and on the peak (mostly Greek and Roman).

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"Cana Wedding Church"

Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna

Galilee, North District of Israel

Thursday, ‎December ‎26, ‎2013

Sixth Day of my Holy Land Trip, Mount Zion, Jerusalem

My Holy Land Trip

"Cana Wedding Church"

Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel:

The Arab village of Kafr Kana in the Lower Galilee is identified in Christian tradition as Cana of the Galilee. Here, according to tradition, Jesus performed the miracle of the wine, when he went to a wedding of a poor couple and turned water into wine. In the 17th century Kafr Kana was officially recognized by the Vatican, and the pope officially confirmed that Kafr Kana is indeed Cana of the Galilee. Following this recognition the village was added to the list of Christian holy places. Some researchers identify Kafr Kana with the Kana mentioned in the ancient Egyptian Amarna letters (from about 4,000 years ago). 

Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel:

One way or the other, in the Roman-Byzantine period (1,000-2,000 years ago), there was a large Jewish community here, but apparently by the Mamluk period (about 800 years ago) most of the residents of Kafr Kana were Christian, although there was still a Jewish community here, too. Today most of the residents of Kafr Kana are Muslim.

Street to Cana Wedding Church, Village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel:

In the center of the village are a few remains of ancient buildings and burial caves. The villagers have built new houses to the southeast and northeast of the ancient village. The most important site in the village is the Catholic Church, built in 1879, on the traditional site of the miracle of the wine. Beside this church is the Greek Orthodox church of St. George, built in 1886, which house two stone jars that Greek Orthodox followers believe are the jars in which Jesus performed the miracle of the wine.

Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel:

There is also a church named after St. Bartholomew, built, according to tradition, on the site of the home of Nathaniel of Cana (St. Bartholomew), one of Jesus’ disciples.

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel:

There is also a church named after St. Bartholomew, built, according to tradition, on the site of the home of Nathaniel of Cana (St. Bartholomew), one of Jesus’ disciples.

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel:

Some 200,000 tourists visit Kafr Kana annually. Inspired by the miracle of the wine, a tradition has developed of holding weddings here, as well as renewing wedding vows to strengthen a marriage, and visitors customarily buy wine here. The street of the churches, in the center of the village, has been renovated and a promenade has been built, connecting the religious centers. Small plazas have been built along the promenade, with rest spots, and the facades and courtyards of the buildings have been attractively refinished. Infrastructure has been laid alongside the promenade for commercial and hotel facilities, so that visitors will be able to combine the comforts of modern tourism with their religious experience

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel:

In the Bible

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine.  "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 

Cana Wedding Church, where the place Couples renewing marriage vows. village of Cana, in the Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, part of the North District of Israel

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from 20 to 30 gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."

Inside the Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel:

They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

Inside the Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel:

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. (John 2:1-11)

Inside the Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel:

In Christianity, the transformation of water into wine at the Marriage at Cana or Wedding at Cana is the first miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John. In the biblical account, Jesus and his mother are invited to a wedding, and when the wine runs out, Jesus performs a miracle by turning water into wine. The exact location of Cana has been subject to debate among biblical scholars and archeologists; several villages in Galilee are candidates.

Inside the Cana Wedding Church, where Jesus turned water into wine, village of Cana, Kafr Kanna, an Arab town in Galilee, North District of Israel:

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.