EPISCOPAL CHURCH A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND Led by: The Reverend Eliza R. Ragsdale and The Reverend Robert G. Trache Local Guide: Canon Iyad Qumri June 17 30, 2018 Holy Land Pilgrimage
HOLY LAND ITINERARY DAY 1: SUNDAY, JUNE 17: DEPART: USA On our way to the Holy Land. DAY 2: MONDAY, JUNE 18: ARRIVE: TEL AVIV/TRANSFER TO JERUSALEM Arrive in Tel Aviv and to be met by our guide, Canon Iyad Qumri. Transfer to the Anglican Close at St. George s Cathedral, our hotel in Jerusalem. Tel: 972 2 6283302 Fax: 972 2 6282253 DAY 3: TUESDAY, JUNE 19: HORIZONS OF JERUSALEM/ISRAEL MUSEUM Today we will get our bearings with an introduction to the Old City of Jerusalem on foot in order to understand our surroundings and the geography of the ancient city. Continue the orientation from Mt. Scopus; view the Judean desert, Mt. of Olives, City of David, Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. We will also visit the famous scale model of the Old City of Jerusalem, portraying the city as it was during the First Century at the time of Jesus. Guest Speaker: Contemporary Issues A Palestinian Perspective DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20: OLD CITY / CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER/ RUSSIAN EXCAVATIONS GROUP PHOTO. Walk through the Old City of Jerusalem along the Cardo, the Roman market, to the Constantinian Entrance of the Church of the Resurrection, also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where we will explore the most important Christian site in its entirety including climbing Golgotha and visiting the rebuilt Edicule, site of the Tomb of Jesus. Today we will examine the archaeology and history of the Gospels in Jerusalem and visit the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky, to see remnants of the emperor Constantine s original 4th-century and walk through the Armenian quarter where we will be able to observe the Armenian Vespers. DAY 5: THURSDAY, JUNE 21: SHEPHERD S FIELD/BETHLEHEM/HERODIUM Depart for Bethlehem and the Shepherds Field where we will visit the Church of Nativity. The Church of the Nativity is located in Manger Square and was constructed by Constantine in AD 326. It is the traditional site of the Nativity. We will explore of caves beneath the Church of St. Joseph and have time for prayer and meditation. Next we will travel to the Herodium some 12 km. south of Jerusalem, on a hill shaped like a truncated cone that rises 758 m. above sea level. The Herodium was the palace-fortress built by King Herod. It has a breathtaking view, overlooking the Judean. This is where our tradition says the Magi visited King Herod and recently his gravesite was uncovered there. DAY 6: FRIDAY, JUNE 22: JERICHO/QUMRAN/DEAD SEA/MT. TABOR Leave Jerusalem before sunrise to reach the Wadi Qelt as we begin our journey into the desert. Over the ancient Roman Road that Jesus walked we will share our first Eucharist together. We will see the ancient site of Jericho and visit Qumran the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We will also stop at the Dead Sea, where you will have the option to swim or really, float at the Rocky Beach. Then we depart for the Galilee, visit Mt. Tabor and the Basilica of the Transfiguration on our way north. Dinner and Overnight at the Pilgerhaus DAY 7: SATURDAY, JUNE 23: JORDAN RIVER/CEASAREA PHILIPPI/CAPERNAUM/ MOUNT OF BEATITUDES/MAGDALA Today we visit the Sea of Galilee-Lake Kinnereth stopping at the Jordan River for the renewal of Baptismal vows, and travel to Caesarea Philippi (Banias). We will visit Capernaum where Jesus began his ministry and see the Ancient Synagogue and St. Peter s House. From here we will continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, followed by a visit to Tabgha (Heptapegon) which marks the place where Jesus fed the 5000 as well as the Chapel of St. Peter s Primacy and finally, Magdala the village of Mary Magdalene. We will end the day with a swim in the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and Overnight at the Pilgerhaus
DAY 8: SUNDAY, JUNE 24: CHRIST CHURCH/SEPPHORIS Eucharist at Christ Church in Nazareth. Meet with Fr. Nael Abu Rahmoun, Depart for Zippori, and the famous site of Sepphoris, where we will explore the excavations of the Roman/Byzantine city. Dinner and Overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth DAY 9: MONDAY, JUNE 25: CAESAREA MARATIMA/ACRE/NAZARETH Today we depart for Caesarea Maratima, a seaport on the Mediterranean Sea that was built by Herod the Great, as his summer palace. We then travel to the city of Acre which one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the time of the Pharaoh Thutmose III (1504-1450 BCE). It is a city of intrigue, where you can walk through labyrinthine alleys and streets and explore the remnants of Crusader, Muslim and Ottoman conquerors. Returning to Nazareth we will visit Mary s Well, the site of the only spring-fed fountain in the city, and most likely the place where Mary would have gone to draw water. We then visit the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation where we will have an opportunity to have an introduction to the Icons. We will then walk to the Latin Church of the Annunciation, the traditional site of the Angel Gabriel s appearance to Mary, telling her she would conceive Jesus. We will visit the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation and the archaeological site under the Convent of the Sisters of Nazareth. Dinner and Overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth DAY 10: TUESDAY, JUNE 26: BURQIN/NABLUS/TAYBEH Depart for Burqin the place where tradition tells us that Jesus healed the lepers, then on to Nablus and the Greek Orthodox Monastery built over Jacob s well where Jacob first saw Rachel and the place where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman. We will then visit Taybeh, the only 100% Christian town in the Palestinian Authority, in the fourth century the Emperor Constantine and his mother St. Helen built the Church of St. George in the village, the ruins of the Church are still found in the town. Taybeh is also the home of the only Palestinian brewery in the Middle East. Guest Speaker: Lecture on Islam DAY 11: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27: WESTERN WALL/DOME OF THE ROCK/ SOUTHERN WALL We will visit the Western Wall near Elharam Esh Sharif (The Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque) and the site of the Jewish Temple. We will have the opportunity to see and explore the excavations below the Temple Mount, some of which date to the time of Jesus. We will have an opportunity to see the pool of Bethesda and the Crusader Church of St. Anne. Guest Speaker: Contemporary Issues an Israeli Perspective DAY 12: THURSDAY, JUNE 28: FREE DAY This is a free day to shop, revisit favorite sites in Jerusalem or to visit the Rockefeller Museum, the Western Wall tunnels or the City of David. You may also wish to visit Yad Vashem, site of the Holocaust Memorial. DAY 13: FRIDAY, JUNE 29: BETH-PHAGE/DOMINUS FLEVIT/GETHSEMANE/ GALICANTU Depart for Beth-phage, here we will begin the Palm Sunday Procession. We will stop at Pater Noster and Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city. It is known as Dominus Flevit [Latin for The Lord wept ]. Afterward, we will walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. We will then travel across the Kidron Valley to the site of Caiaphas Palace where Jesus experienced the Jewish portion of His trial. The site is known today as St. Peter in Galicantu. Farewell Dinner in Jericho at the Qumris - Secret Prayer Partner revealed Overnight at Saint George s Guest House DAY 14: SATURDAY, JUNE 30: WAY OF THE CROSS/EMMAUS Early this morning we walk and pray the Way of the Cross. We depart for Emmaus Abu Ghosh and will celebrate the Eucharist at the Crusader Church. Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for afternoon or evening departures
Dear Holy Land Pilgrims: We invite you to join us for an extraordinary journey of faith and history. A spiritual pilgrimage can happen anywhere, but for those who choose to go to this land, it is an experience that defies explanation. There is energy in the hills, the villages, the people, the churches, the synagogues, the mosques, and the holy places that comprise this Holy Land. Here is the source of Living Water. Our pilgrimage weaves together a one-of-a-kind journey. This pilgrimage will visit new sites, particularly the City of Acre, the Russian Church of Saint Alexander Nevsky in Jerusalem, which is built over ancient ruins of Jerusalem, and the remains of the judgement seat of Pilate. A pilgrimage is not merely a trip. The traditional sites that you have heard about, in scripture will come alive to you. People of the Abrahamic tradition, that is, Christians, Muslims, and Jews will speak with us. We will visit archaeological and historical sites not open to the public. We will also spend time floating in the Dead Sea, watching the sunset over the Sea of Galilee, and walking the Stations of the Cross Our pilgrimage will be available to a limited number of people; therefore our hope is that you will take advantage of this journey and register as soon as possible. The cost of the pilgrimage includes, accommodations and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), all transportation, all fees, speaker honorariums, portage at all hotels, and tips for restaurant and hotel staff. Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are not included. The cost for the pilgrimage is $2795; an additional cost of $780 is applied for a single room. The airfare is estimated at $1300 - $2000. The exact airfare price will be determined in September, 2017 based on the group airline price. You may of course make your own airline reservation to arrive on or before Sunday, June 17, 2018. To walk where Jesus walked, to swim where the disciples fished, to hear the sounds of the Holy Land, to touch the Western Wall, to stand on Golgotha, to smell the air and taste the food is an incredible sensory experience. We hope that you will join us for what promises to be one of the most transforming experiences of your life. If you have dreamed of this pilgrimage, this is the time you have been waiting for. We would consider it an honor to walk the pilgrim s path with you, in the land where the Christian faith was born. Faithfully, The Reverend Robert G. Trache Rector and Head of School St. Mark s Episcopal Church and School The Reverend Eliza R. Ragsdale Assistant to the Rector and School Administrator St. Mark s Episcopal Church and School To make your reservation, simply complete the enclosed registration form and submit along with $500 refundable deposit. Space is limited on a first come basis. Therefore, you are encouraged to send your deposit and completed application form, as soon as possible. You will receive general information, an invoice, book list and helpful packing information, via mail, and e-mail, usually within two weeks of our receipt of your deposit. Registrations are processed in the order they are received. YOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Airfare based on non-refundable, economy class group fares on regularly scheduled IATA carrier from Miami (MIA), accommodations in first class and superior tourist class hotels, or best available hotel (all with private facilities), sightseeing, and meals per itinerary (B, L, D) and is based on a minimum of 30 fully paying passengers in the group. Airport taxes, tips, and optional travel protection plan will be shown separately on your invoices. A valid passport, with an expiration date no sooner than January 2018 is required by Israel. Please see Registration Form and Terms and Conditions for more details. FINAL PAYMENT: Final payment is due March 1, 2018. This payment should be sent directly to St. Mark s Episcopal Church. Instructions will appear on your invoice. LOCAL CONTACTS: The Reverend Robert G. Trache and The Reverend Eliza R. Ragsdale St. Mark s Episcopal Church 1750 E. Oakland Park Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 Tel: (954) 563-5155 Email: FrBob@saintmarks.com and Motherliza@saintmarks.com www.saintmarksftl.com
Registration Form A Journey to the Holy Land with The Reverend Eliza R. Ragsdale and The Reverend Robert G. Trache June 17 30, 2018 I agree to submit full payment by March 30, 2018. Enclosed please find my $500 per person deposit for the above referenced trip. By submitting this payment, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the Terms and Conditions in the accompanying brochure. Please print in BLOCK LETTERS your official Last Name and First Name (NO middle name) as they appear on your passport. Name Street Address Apt City State Zip Code Home TEL: ( ) Office TEL: ( ) Cell: ( ) Email: Signature Date Gender: qfemale qmale Emergency Contact: TEL: ( ) Do you hold an American Passport? qyes qno If not, what nationality? q HOLY LAND TRAVEL $2,795 q HOLY LAND TRAVEL $2,795 + AIR TRAVEL (to be determined by September, 2017) Rooming Information q I would like to room with (Enter name and relation if applicable.) q I would like a single room at a supplement of $780. Subject to availability and confirmation two weeks prior to departure.
PLEASE SELECT ONE OF THE TWO FORMS OF PAYMENT BELOW Standard Base Price q I wish to pay the standard base price using my credit card as my form of payment: $2,795 for Holy Land travel only. q I wish to pay the standard base price using my credit card as my form of payment: $2,795 for Holy Land travel plus the air travel cost to the Holy Land from Miami (MIA) at the current estimated cost of $1,300 $2,000. With an understanding that the exact air travel cost will be determined by September 2017. Credit Card Payment Authorization I authorize St. Mark s Episcopal Church to charge the standard base price amount, plus other fees outlined above to my credit card listed below ($500 will be charged now; balance of payment will be charged to your card per the invoice due date.) Credit card payment can be made by contacting Mrs. Karin Anderson, Director of Finance at 954-334-0176. Credit Card Type: q VISA q MASTERCARD Card Number Expiration Date Name as it appears on credit card Signature Date Address where you receive your credit card statement if different from above: Street Address Apt City State Zip Code Make Check Payable to: St. Mark s Episcopal Church Memo line: Holy Land Pilgrimage Mail to: 1750 E. Oakland Park Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 Note: Further information on travel protection will be sent within two weeks of receipt of your registration and deposit. Payment Schedule l A deposit of $ 500.00 per person is due at the time of registration. l A final payment is due by March 30, 2018 including an additional $780 for single occupancy. Individual Cancellations There is a $500 non-refundable deposit paid by each pilgrim. After full payment the cancellation policy is: l 120 days before departure: full refund (minus deposit) l 90 days before departure: half refund (minus deposit) l 60 days before departure: one/quarter refund (minus deposit) l There will be no refunds within 60 days of departure.