The Rev. Canon Carl Turner, Rector of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue
Dear Friends,
Tired, but happy, our group of pilgrims arrived safely in Israel for our Holy Land Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage had originally been booked for March 2020 – but the pandemic saw us re-scheduling three times! Friday was our first full day, and it was a day of contrasts. We began with a visit to the ruins of the ancient city of Caesarea, built by King Herod the Great in honor of the Emperor Augustus. In that extensive complex, Pontius Pilate had his quarters, and St. Paul made his appeal to the Emperor.
We also saw the incredible Aquaduct built by Hadrian
We drove to Mount Carmel and visited the monastery that has a chapel built on the site of Elijah’s contest with the Prophets of Baal. This part of Israel is extraordinarily lush with vegetation and rich in springs of water; it truly lives up to its name as the ‘Promised Land’ and the land ‘flowing in milk and honey.’
We then visited the ancient city of Megiddo – with thousands of years of historical significance, pre-dating even the Hebrew Scriptures. We saw King Solomon’s gateway and walked through the secret tunnel that provided this stronghold with water during times of siege.
Finally, we ended our day in Nazareth and prayed at the little cave beneath the basilica where the Angel Gabriel visited the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We walked to Christ Church, the Anglican Church next door where we were welcomed so warmly by Father Nael Abu Rahoum. His Church of Palestinian Christians worships in Arabic.
We arrived at our next hotel tired but very moved by what we had seen on our first day. Then, we had the joy of celebrating the last day of Passover with hundred of Jewish families enjoying the Sabbath.
Stained Glass window in the Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth
Tomorrow, we travel to Mount Tabor where Jesus was transfigured and we will celebrate mass on the Mountain before visiting the Sea of Galilee. We prayed for you all today and will continue to do so. Please pray for us as we continue our pilgrimage.
