Stella Maris Church

Tzvika — 2006-06-06T15:05:45+04:00

Category: Holy Sites in Haifa
Keywords: Stella Maris, monastery, French Carmel, monks, Muslims, Elijah, Christians
Summary: Mount Carmel gained religious sanctity namely due to the character of Prophet Elijah who, according to the bible, fought on Mount Carmel against prophets of the Baal (Canaanite deity). According to tradition, Elijah hid in the cave at the slopes of the sea star ridge

The history of Stella Maris monastery

Mount Carmel gained religious sanctity namely due to the character of Prophet Elijah who, according to the bible, fought on Mount Carmel against prophets of the Baal (Canaanite deity). According to tradition, Elijah hid in the cave at the slopes of the sea star ridge ; nonetheless the Carmelite Christians had sanctified an additional cave at the top of the ridge and erected a large monastery above, which constitutes their world centre.

At the late 12th to 13th centuries, the Carmelite Order was established on Mount Carmel, but had to leave Israel toward the end of the 13th century due to pressure severe by the Muslims.
During the Ottoman reign over the country, the return of the Carmelites to Israel was sanctioned. An agreement between the Vatican representative and Emir Turbai (local ruler of the Carmel region) concluded that the Carmelites will be given the cave of Prophet Elijah and the holy summit.

The agreement brought about intense objection on behalf of orthodox or Greek monks who were in charge of the holy summit and the Darwish Muslims living in the cave. But despite the difficulties, the Carmelites had managed to hold on to the holy summit above Prophet Elijah's cave for a period of140 years.
The monastery's building process began in the days of Bedouin ruler Dahar El-Omar.
The Carmelites were assisted by the French Consul who obtained for them the approval of the Ottoman Sultan through French patronage over the members of the Order and their church.

The ridge was consequently called "French Carmel" and remained that way ever since. The building process of the monastery took a long time and even came to a complete halt at a certain stage. It was only in the beginning of the 19th century that Father Cassini renewed its construction, but the local Ottoman Ruler of the time (Abdullah Pasha) intended to blow up the structure. Subsequently, Father Cassini obtained a new permit and through financial contributions the monastery's building process was resumed.

Finally in 1836, the monastery was inaugurated and became Haifa's most important and splendorous establishment. The place included a medical centre and pharmacy, which helped the local population.
The most beautiful pilgrimage inn in the country also operated in the framework of the monastery.

The large monastery known as the Stella Maris monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times until its final establishment in 1836. It serves as the world centre for Carmelites.The symbol of the Order is mounted right above the entrance door to the monastery: symbol of a cross on top of Mount Carmel and above it, the sword of Elijah followed by this inscription: "I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts" (1 Kings 19:14). An embossment consisting of the image of Elijah lifting up his sword with the torch of faith at its tip is incorporated into the entrance door.

During the erection of the church, monks were assaulted by their neighbors and had to defend their property and the church guests. As a result, the monastery's ground floor is built out of thick walls with few and small openings covered by bars.
The monastery's main hall is luxurious and resembles the shape of a cross. The ceiling of the hall is roofed and decorated by colorful paintings based on motifs from Old and New Testaments: Elijah rising to the heavens, David strings his harp, the prophet Isaiah, the holy family and the four evangelists. Latin inscriptions of biblical verses are written around the roofed dome.

Above the altar stands the statue of the Virgin Mary carrying Jesus on her knees. The statue is called "our mistress the Carmel." The platform stairs lead to a quarried cave in which a stone altar was built on top of the statue of Elijah. New embossments dedicated to Carmelite figures are hoisted on all four corners of the central hall. At the western wall of the church is a large organ that is played in religious ceremonies and special concerts dedicated to church music.

The church is open all week and entrance is free of charge.
Opening hours: 08:30-13:30, 15:00-18:00
Address: Stella Maris road, Haifa.
Telephone 04-8337758
Bus lines 26, 27, 30 and 31

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Stella Maris Church