Well, we’re all pretty tired from our late night Liturgy experience, but we all realize that we may be experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime journey, so we are pushing forward...
After breakfast, we ventured forth once again into the holy city of Jerusalem strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ going first to Zacharias’ house, that is the birthplace of St. John the Baptist, unfortunately the monastery was closed. Undaunted, we read from the Gospel and reflected on the birth of John the Baptist, the greatest man born of woman as we learned from the words of Christ.
We then traveled a short distance to the well of the Panagia, and read the Gospel account when Mary greeted Elizabeth and the infant John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth’s womb at the realization of the Messiah’s coming. We also chanted a few hymns in honor of the Panagia.
Next, we went to the monastery of the Holy Cross. This was the site where Christ’s Holy Cross was elevated a second time after it’s return from Persian captivity. We were able to venerate the ground where the cross was placed after the elevation.
Another short hop on the bus and we journeyed to the Monastery of the Prophet Elias. It was a short stop but very powerful. Besides the beauty of the church, there are relics of a monk of the monastery and the chains which were used to martyr him, reminding us of the tensions and the witness offered by the people here in the Holy Land.
Strengthened by that image fresh in our minds, we traveled to Bethany to the monastery of Martha and Mary where Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. We venerated the very stone on which Christ stood. It is a wonderful monastery with 9 very friendly nuns (5 from Cyprus) who were very happy to welcome us.
The next stop for us was the site of the Last Supper, two appearances of our Resurrected Lord, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The upper room was plainly decorated as it is a multi-faith site. The only subtle decoration was on the top of a column depicting a mother pelican piercing her own flesh to feed her children, reminding us Christ’s sacrifice for us and the feeding of our souls through Holy Communion.
We had the extra blessing of Fr. Ahilios coming to our hotel and speaking to us about life in the Holy Land.
Thank you so much for sharing Father Luke. We look forward to these blogs so much, and look forward to your safe return.
ReplyDeleteMaria and Ted
Dear Fr. Luke and fellow parishioners.
ReplyDeleteΤι όμορφο προσκύνημα στους Αγίους Τόπους!
Praise the God for His Awesome Works and Miracles.
We pray to God for His Infinite Love and Mercy to us the sinners.
Δόξα στον Παντοκράτορα Πατέρα Πηγή των ψυχών μας.
His will be done.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in the Holy Land and have a safe trip back home.
We thank you for your beautiful narration and photographs
Triphon
Dear Father Luke,
ReplyDeleteThis is Nick, Mary's son. Thank you for the evocative narratives and beautiful photographs of each day's events. Please let my mother know that I have been following your journey each day on your blog site.