Greek Catholic Church (Nazareth, Israel)
City:
Nazareth
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
The Greek Catholic Church of the Annunciation is the parish church of the Melkite Greek Catholic community in the city of Nazareth in northern Israel. It was built in 1887 and is located in the middle of the old market, adjacent to the Synagogue church.
Geography & Location
The Church is located in the middle of Nazareth old market (road #6120), in the Churches district, adjacent to the Synagogue church. Due to its close proximity, the parish church is often misindentified as being the Synagogue Church.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Architecture
The interior of the church has three naves divided by two rows of columns. The set is richly decorated with paintings and icons.
Biblical & Historical References
The Greek Catholic church (Melkites) split from the Greek Orthodox church in 1724. Today the Melkites are roughly 25% of the Christian population in Israel, where the Greek Orthodox are about 33%, 18% are Latin-Catholics, 4% are Maronite, and 20% other Christians.