About Protestant Pilgrimages

Evangelicals go essentially to visit the sites of biblical significance on what are primarily educational tours. These in themselves will only perpetuate and reinforce a pietistic faith rooted in the 1st Century, without addressing either the present Middle East conflict or necessarily engaging in theological praxis. The presence of an ancient and Oriental Christianity is either ignored, misunderstood or even criticized for desecrating the archaeological sites with what are often regarded as pagan shrines.

Fundamentalist pilgrims visit the Holy Land for similar reasons but with the added schatological dimension, believing themselves to be witnessing and indeed participating in the purposes of God, at work within Israel in these 'Last Days'. They believe they have a divine mandate to support the state of Israel.

The third, most recent and smallest category of pilgrimage to emerge is associated with the term 'Living Stones'. These pilgrimages in contradistinction seek to counter the ignorance of many Evangelicals and the harm caused by Fundamentalists, by engaging in acts of solidarity with the Palestinian church. These pilgrimages include opportunities to meet, worship with, listen to and learn from the spirituality and experience of the indigenous Christians.

HolyLand of Christians

Holy Land of Christians
The Holy Land is significant in Christianity, mainly because it is the place of birth, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus , the Saviour or Messiah to christianity.

Holy Cities:
Bethlehem, Israel birthplace of Jesus
This city has great significance for all Christians as it was the birthplace of Jesus . The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.

Nazareth, Israel:
is Jesus's hometown where Jesus lived and the site of many of his acts and miracles.Nazareth is also holy place for Christians because it throws light on the holy family, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus. This is the place where a Christian believer can consider Mary's qualities. Her character as a noble woman, a woman of purity, simplicity, sensitivity and pureness of heart. Mary is portrayed as a mother who devotes herself to the education of her son and remains devoted to him in the most trying of circumstances.According to the new testament, the parents of Jesus, Joseph and raise, resided in Nazereth, and there studied Jesus, from girls until adulthood. The Nazereth name is from beam of the word " Christianity ".

Jerusalem, Israel where the early Church was startedJerusalem is believed to be the site of some of Jesus's teaching, the Last Supper, the subsequent institution of the Holy Eucharist as well as His entombment; Christians believe he was crucified on a nearby hill, Golgotha (sometimes called Calvary). It contains the Church of the Holy Sepulchre {The ground on which the church rests is venerated by most Christians as Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary, where the New Testament describes that Jesus was crucified. It also is said to contain the place where Jesus was reportedly buried (the sepulchre)}. The church has been an important pilgrimage destination.
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, the biggest city in the holy land (Israel), Jerusalem is city with history of thousand of years, city of holiness for three of the monotheistic religions, the holy city for Jewish, Christians and Muslims.

Group Pilgrimage Travel By Unitours

Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Christians. Christians see life itself as a journey, coming from God and returning to God. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spend time in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. A Pilgrimage is a symbol that is acted out.1. A journey to a sacred place or shrine.2. A long journey or search, especially one of exalted purpose or moral significance.

Here are some of the best-known places visit on pilgrimage:
Holy Lands (Israel / Palestine)Many visit the places where Jesus lived, especially during the Christian festivals (Bethlehem at Christmas, Jerusalem at Easter)

Jerusalem : Ascend the Mount of Olives to marvel at the spectacular view of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Walk down the hill the Church of Peter Noster and the Chapel of Ascension. On to the church of Dominus Flevit and the Church of All Nations in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus endured his agony.Descend across the Valley of Kidron.

St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy : St. Peter, disciple of Jesus, was martyred and believed to be buried here. It is the centre of the Roman Catholic church, and home of the Pope.

Lourdes, France : In 1858, a young girl called Bernadette Soubivous had a vision of Jesus' mother, Mary. The spring waters that flow from the fountains are believed tobring miraculous healing from God.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain : Saint James, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, is believed to be buried here.

Canterbury : Thomas Becket , Archbishop of Canterbury, was martyred here.

Walsingham, England : In 1061 Richeldis de Faverches had a vision of Jesus' mother Mary, and built a replica of the humble house where Jesus was born. An Augustine Priorywas built there, and today there are Roman Catholic and Anglican shrines.

Iona, Scotland : In 530 AD St. Columba travelled from Ireland and landed at Iona to convert the people to Christianity. He started a monastery here.

Knock, Ireland : On 21st August 1879 a group of people standing outside the church saw a heavenly vision there.

St. David's, Wales : Dewi Sant (St. David) lived here and helped spread the Christian faith in Wales.