Stella Maris Monastery (Mount Carmel, Israel)
City:
Haifa
State, Province, Region, or District:
Haifa District
Country:
Israel
Overview
Mount Carmel is best known as the site of the confrontation between the 850 prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:1-40). Mount Carmel was a High Place of worship to the false god of Baal and Asherah during the period of Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Mount Carmel is covered on a separate page.
The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and church is located on the west top side of the Carmel. The structure was rebuilt in the 19th century, and is one of the most popular sites in Haifa. The main church inside the Stella Maris Monastery is said to contain the Cave of Elijah, a grotto associated with the prophet Elijah.
Alternate Names
Stella Maris Monastery is also known as the Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for Friars, to distinguish it from the nearby Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for Nuns, located higher up on Mount Carmel.
Geography & Location
The Monastery is located on the north-west corner of Mount Carmel, adjacent to the upper station of the Haifa Cable car.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
History related to Mount Carmel is covered on a separate page. The following information is associated with the history of the monastery.
Architecture
Monastery
Biblical & Historical References
Mount Carmel (Mukhraka) is best known as the site of the confrontation between the 850 prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 18:1-40).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
See the applicable section on the page for Mount Carmel.
Etymology
Elijah – In Hebrew: Eliyahu. Means in Hebrew: Eli (my God) + Yahu (the Lord, the Hebrew God). Thus the name means “The Lord is my God”. Elijah came from a place called Tishbi, in the region of Gilad – east to the Jordan river.