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November 1-12, 2020
Under the Direction of the Rev. Rob Courtney
Local Guide: Canon Iyad Qumri

Registration and $500 deposit are due by November 1, 2019.
$2,195 final payment due September 1, 2020.

You are invited to join other pilgrims from The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Together, we will visit the places of his birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection. Our experienced personal guide Iyad Qumri, will lead us in exploring ancient places, vibrant markets, and modern museums in a land that is suspended between East and West, past and present.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • Specially-designed private worship and Eucharist services in locations where key biblical events are commemorated: Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Jericho, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem.
  • Meet the “living stones” of the ever-diminishing communities of local Christians, including an introduction to the vital ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
  • One-of-a-kind tours and visits to unique locations in Nazareth, the Jordan River, Jericho, and Jerusalem.
  • Opportunity to visit and worship with local Palestinian Christian congregations.

 

Not your cookie-cutter commercial tour…

Canon Iyad Qumri has 20 years of experience in developing personalized tours that provide a sense of history and connection with the world Jesus inhabited. He will share with you his deep understanding of the historical,
cultural, social, and political riches of the Holy Land. Pilgrims have traveled from around the world to experience his historical teachings and understanding of current events. Iyad specializes in pilgrimages that incorporate the liturgy and traditions of the Episcopal Church into the daily itinerary. As a lifelong Jerusalem resident, Iyad will not only bring to life the iconic structures and places, but take you to unique sites, restaurants, and shops. Come join Iyad as he leads us in exploring a world that exists at the crossroads of the world’s three great Abrahamic faiths: Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Your adventure begins…

Your adventure begins with a warm greeting from your guide at Ben Gurion International Airport. From there, our private coach will be waiting to take you on a short 40 minute trip to Jerusalem. Your Jerusalem home will be St.
George’s Pilgrim Guest House, located within the secure grounds that include St. George’s Cathedral, St. George’s School, and St. George’s College.

Evenings in Jerusalem will include discussions led by local experts from the Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian Christian faiths.

Other visits include Bethlehem, Shepherds’ Fields, Herodion where Herod’s tomb was recently discovered, and ancient and modern Jericho where you will visit the cliffside monastery of the Mount of Temptation.

The Guest House includes a beautiful enclosed garden and patio, excellent food, and is steps away from shops, cafes, ATMs, and the historic Old City. In addition, your accommodations air-conditioned, have free WiFi, flat-screen satellite television, and private bath with showers.

A special treat…

During our journey in the Holy Land, is a three-night stay in Galilee at the Sisters of Nazareth Guest House which is close to markets, churches, and cafes. Enjoy a rooftop terrace overlooking the beautiful city of Nazareth. Explore the sites recalling the ministry of Jesus at the Sea of Galilee, including Caperneum, Mount of the Beautitudes and Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes.

CANON IYAD QUMRI is a local Arab Palestinian Christian guide, licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. Iyad has a wealth of historical, biblical, and contemporary cultural knowledge and enthusiasm (and unique humor) to share.

To join or for more information
Please contact: Rev. Rob Courtney
rcourtney@stpauls-lakeview.org

Facebook: Iyad Qumri Pilgrimages
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