Pilgrimage To Jerusalem
by John Adamovich

In early January of this year, parishioners from several Orthodox churches, including Saint Luke's, joined Father Andrew for a Pilgrimage of the Holy Land of Israel. Father Gerald Mulchahy of Saint Patricia Catholic Church and members of his flock joined us.

Jerusalem was our first stop with the most memorable visit being the Anastasis Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Faithful from around the world gather at this most historic site to say prayers for family and friends. In addition to the church, we visited sites such as the Mount of Olives and others that brought the Scriptures to life.

We were blessed to be in the Holy Land for the Nativity. The celebrations started in the Old City of Jerusalem with marching bands of Orthodox Boy and Girl Scouts. The procession then goes on to Bethlehem for services in which Father Andrew participated.

It would be extremely impossible to describe our itinerary in less than twenty-five pages, because omitting one detail would be shameful. It is then more prudent of me to describe our spiritual feelings on this pilgrimage. To be in the actual vicinity of our Lord's ministry and sacrifice was awe-inspiring. You can not leave without the conviction that you must forgive everyone that has wronged you. As I noticed pilgrims from all over, especially from the poorest of nations, I could sense that they were spiritually rich.

Please join us in a Pilgrimage to Israel and Constantinople, led by His Eminence, Metropolitan Iakovos of Krinis, from November 17 through December 1, 1999. Join in retracing our Lord's footsteps before the beginning of the Third Millennium. We must have a minimum of ten pilgrims for Father Andrew to go along.. Feel free to ask me about the January pilgrimage and to show photographs. I have itineraries supplied by Tom Bornstein of AMI Travel and color brochures. Price per person is $2,399 Phone 708-430-7252