St Mary Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Our pilgrims have returned safely from 10 days renewing and uplifting pilgrimage to the Holy Land where they celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. Twenty-three pilgrims had a wonderful time in the Holy Land, walking through the footsteps of our Lord, visiting holy sights, and participating in the celebration of the birth and baptism of our Lord. They visited Bethlehem, Mount of Olive, St. Mary's tomb, journeyed to the Sea of Galilee and the area of Nazareth where our Lord performed His public ministry. With Christ in their hearts, they visited the Wilderness of Judea, Mt. of Temptation, the Tomb of Lazarus, and the baptismal site of our Lord at River Jordan. They walked through the way of the cross and attended early morning Badarak at the church of the Holy Sepulcher at the empty tomb from where Jesus was resurrected. The highlight of the pilgrimage was the celebration of the Feast of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord in Bethlehem. the pilgrims stayed for midnight service and participated in the early morning Badarak at the Church of Nativity, in the manger where the Lord was born.
Everyone returned home safely with renewed faith and uplifted spirits, cherishing the good memories and great spiritual experiences and blessings they received as pilgrims.