The Holy Land

 

Early in the 4th Century, C.E., the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine, traveled from Western Europe to the Holy Land. A strong and resilient woman, she was undaunted by the demands that to such a long journey made in those times. Legend has it that she was in search of the concrete realities that underpinned this new Christian faith. If Christ was indeed crucified, and raised from the dead, then this must have happened not in books and stories, but in a certain place. Helena went to find the place, to see and pray where it all happened. Her journey changed her life, that of her son, and the entire world. Since that time millions of Christians have followed where Helena led.

You are invited to join us on pilgrimages that visit the same places as those to which Helena journeyed some 1600 years ago. Thanks to Helena, and to many who came after her, there are impressive and moving churches, sites and shrines in which countless Christians of all traditions have prayed over many centuries, and a Lightline pilgrimage will take you to many of these important places. Typically, a Lightline pilgrimage will start with three nights by the Sea of Galilee, exploring the north of the country, before spending some nights in Bethlehem and in Jerusalem, as the life and ministry of Jesus is followed towards the inevitable destination of the Way of the Cross, and the Resurrection.

However, our Holy Land pilgrimages do much more than simply pay attention to the ‘dead stones’ of Israel and Palestine. All of our pilgrimages involve visits to and encounters with those who live and work in this complex and challenging region today – most particularly the local Christian communities, including the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. So any Lightline pilgrimage will bring you into contact with the ‘Living Stones’, and help you share a small part of the daily lives, culture, faith and challenges that today’s Christians experience, and we are confident you will be moved by their witness, their courage and their faith.

We also offer our pilgrims contact with Jews and Muslims living and working in Palestine and Israel, as suits the needs of each particular pilgrimage itinerary and those leading such a trip, so that our groups may learn of other experiences and perspectives that impact on life in these lands today. These visits have included encounters with peace activists, hard-line settlers, journalists, religious leaders and politicians.

Sep - Oct 9 Days London Heathrow Israel
9 days

In the footsteps of Jesus, Rev Canon Chris Vallins & Rev Sarah Mounoury

THE HOLY LAND In the footsteps of Jesus A 9 day Pilgrimage through the Biblical...

£2,475 View More
Sep - Oct 9 Days London Heathrow Israel
9 days

A Pilgrimage through Israel & Palestine

THE HOLY LAND A Pilgrimage through Israel & Palestine Led by The Revd David Gatliffe...

£2,595 View More
Jun 10 Days London Heathrow Israel
10 days

The Holy Land 2024 Archbishop of York

  The Holy Land A pilgrimage for the Northern Province of the Church of England...

£3,250 View More
Sep 8 Days London Luton Israel
8 days

In the footsteps of Jesus, Rev Andrew Davey & Rev Jim Fletcher

THE HOLY LAND In the footsteps of Jesus A 8 day Pilgrimage through the Lands...

£2,185 View More
May 10 Days London Heathrow Israel
10 days

The Holy Land 2024 Burroughs & Martin

  The Holy Land People and Places Led by Dr Liz Burroughs and Valerie Martin...

£2,695 View More
Apr 8 Days London Heathrow Israel
8 days

Slow Jerusalem – The Rt Revd John Pritchard 2024

SLOW JERUSALEM 19th - 26th April 2024 I hope you might be interested in coming...

£2,595 View More