St. Peter and Saint Tabitha Russian Orthodox Church

City:

Tel Aviv

State, Province, Region, or District:

Tel Aviv District

Country:

Israel

Overview

Located in Ganei Hatikva gardens, in the southern part of Tel-Aviv, the St. Peter and St. Tabitha Russian Orthodox Church and monastery near Jaffa are a 19th century establishment. The site commemorates the event in Acts 9:36-43 where the Apostle Peter raised the righteous Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead in Joppa.

The main church, completed in 1894, has a typical Eastern Orthodox design. Its ornate interior decor presents a variety of saints in traditional style. However, the main attraction for Christian pilgrims is the burial cave in the church’s compound which, by local tradition, is the tomb of Saint Tabitha.

Alternate Names

St. Peter and Saint Tabitha Russian Orthodox Church; Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and Righteous Tabitha; Orthodox Church, Abu Kabir (named after the neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv / Jaffa); Church of Saint Peter; Church of Saint Peter and Saint Tabitha in Jaffa; Tabitha's Tomb (referring to the burial cave on the grounds); Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Saint Tabitha

Geography & Location

The Saint Peter and Saint Tabitha Russian Orthodox Church is located at Herzl St 157, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, in the Abu Kabir neighborhood of southern Tel Aviv near Jaffa.

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

Roman/Biblical Period (1st-2nd Century AD)

Architecture

The Saint Peter and Saint Tabitha Russian Orthodox Church features Russian Revival architecture.

Biblical & Historical References

Joppa is mentioned in the Old Testament as the northernmost Philistine city by the coast, bordering the territory of the Tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:46).

Spiritual Lessons and Application

Obedience Versus Disobedience

Etymology

Peter: From the Greek Petros (Πέτρος), a translation of the Aramaic Kefa (Cephas), meaning "stone" or "rock," given by Jesus to the apostle.

Planning a Visit

Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.