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11 Days

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre

of Jerusalem - Eastern Lieutenancy

Advent Holy Land Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Chorbishop John D. Faris, KC*HS

December 7 - 17, 2018

*Optional Pre Tour to Jordan   |   December 4 - 8, 2018

EO120718

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Mt. of Beatitudes · Cana · Nazareth · Caesarea Maritima · Haifa · Sea of Galilee · Banias · Tiberias · Mt. Tabor · Jordan River · Jericho · Jerusalem · Malakite Church · Israel Museum · Ein Karem · Temple Mount · St. Anne's Church · Holy Child Program · Church of Nativity · Shepherds Fields · Mt. of Olives · Mt. Zion · Bethany · Church of Holy Sepulchre

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$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

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"Christians are to the world, what the soul is to the body" an anonymous second-century author wrote. The function of the soul is to support the body, to be its conscience and its historical memory. Almost a Millennium links the works of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Land.

The time has come to embark on a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to the Holy Land! Let us go to the city of peace and see the symbol of God's love for his people. Come to the land where He came, and where He acted with us in this world. During your pilgrimage, you will visit some of the most significant places, cities of universal importance. Persevere and quietly witness faith and hope in the service of reconciliation and forgiveness, and follow the teaching and example of the Lord Jesus. Return home as a leaven of reconciliation, a witness to charity, and bringing hope to others.

After you walk where Jesus walked, you will never be the same.

pilgrimage map

Her Excellency, Vicki Downey, DGCHS
Lieutenant of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre - Eastern Lieutenancy


pilgrimage map

Chorbishop John D. Faris, KC*HS

pilgrimage map
DATES  &  PRICES
Any Questions?  Contact:
Amanda
Gelsey
Additional information
Terms & Conditions

Spiritual Leader & Tour Guide

Spiritual Leader & Tour Guide

About Chorbishop John D. Faris:

Chorbishop John D. Faris was born in 1951, the son of John and Goldie (née Bowlen) Faris, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Uniontown Area High School in 1968. He attended Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Sacred Heart College in Detroit, Michigan in 1972. While at the North American College in Rome, he attended the Gregorian University, where he received a baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (magna cum laude) in 1975 and pursued a studies in moral theology at St. Alphonse University. He was awarded a doctorate degree Eastern canon law (magna cum laude) from the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome with the dissertation, The Communion of Catholic Churches: Ecclesiology and Terminology. Archbishop Francis M. Zayek ordained him to the priesthood on July 17, 1976 at Saint George Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He was then appointed Vice Rector of Saint Maron Cathedral, and Vice-Chancellor of the Chancery of Apostolic Exarchate for the Maronites in Detroit, Michigan. Chorbishop Faris was created a Chaplain to His Holiness (Monsignor) on 19 January 1988. Archbishop Zayek ordained Faris a Chorbishop on September 23, 1991.
To Read More Click Here

About Usama Salman:

Usama has studied Biblical Archaeology and History at the Stadium Biblicum Franciscanum (SBF) in Jerusalem, followed by a B.A. Degree at Empire state College, and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee (specializing in Christian non-profit organizations). In addition to being an active member of the Catholic Church in Jerusalem, and working as a full time guide, for the past several years - he has been working on his PhD Thesis titled: "Strengthening the Christian Presence in the Holy Land through Strategic Planning". He has guided many Catholic leaders, including Dr. Scott Hahn, His Grace Archbishop Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton (and past President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
Usama’s Full Bio – Click Here

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare from New York or
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Centrally located Three & Four Star hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 3 nights - December 8 - 11: Scots Hotel, Tiberias
      ~ 5 nights - December 11 - 16: Notre Dame, Jerusalem
  • All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner daily
  • Special Dinner at Notre Dame's famous Rooftop Restaurant - Cheese and Wine
  • Wine and Mineral Water with Dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Free Wi-Fi on motor coach
  • Whisper Headsets throughout
  • Mass daily
  • Catholic Priest throughout for Confession and Spiritual Guidance
  • Ceremony in Cana: Wedding Vow Renewals
  • Assistance and sightseeing by Licensed guide throughout
  • Transfers as per itinerary and as needed
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • All Tips: Guide, Driver, Hotel, Restaurants, and Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Scots Hotel
Tiberias

3 Nights

hotel
Notre Dame
Jerusalem

5 Nights

Not included
  • Items and visits not mentioned above
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day1
Friday - December 7th: Depart for the Holy Land

Make your way to your local airport where you will board your overnight flight. Your meals are served on board.

Day2
Saturday - December 8th: Arrive in Tel Aviv - Tiberias

Arrival in Tel Aviv, you will be met by the 206 Tours representative and transfer north to your hotel at the Sea of Galilee. When we arrive in Tiberias, it will be time for dinner and an early night of rest.

Day3
Sunday - December 9th: Nazareth, Cana
Theme: The Annunciation

This morning, after breakfast, you will visit Nazareth, where you will visit the Byzantine Church of St. Joseph and Mary's Well. From there you will walk the pilgrimage train into the Church of the Annunciation to celebrate Mass, and then a quick tour, including the Archaeological Garden where you will see the 1st Century remains of houses from the time of Jesus. We will continue by visiting Cana where you will visit the Franciscan Wedding Church. Couples will have the opportunity to participate in the ceremony of renewing their Wedding Vows, led by your Spiritual Director. From there, we will make our way back to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.

*Wedding Vows in Cana: Wedding Vows in Cana: Each couple will receive a "Special" Certificate to commemorate the ceremony.

Day4
Monday - December 10th: Sea of Galilee
Theme: The Ministry of Christ in the Galilee

We start the day in Capernaum, from where Jesus launched his Ministry; see the synagogue which dates to the time of Christ. You will also visit the Museum where we see inscriptions left by pilgrims venerating the Virgin Mary, including the 2nd century A.D. inscription showing Xeria Maria 'Ave Maria', considered to be the oldest venerating sign of the Blessed Virgin. Continue to Capernaum, from where Jesus launched his Ministry; see the synagogue which dates to the time of Jesus and the Church built over the site of Peter's home. We will stop for lunch Included. We will then celebrate the Liturgy at the Mt. of Beatitude, the scene of Jesus' great Sermon on the Mount. Nearby is Tabgha, where Jesus fed the crowd of 5,000 and onto the site known as "Peter's Primacy". Here, after His resurrection, Jesus met with His disciples and told Peter to "feed my lambs; feed my sheep." [John 21:9]. Then we will see the Sower Cove, located midway between Tabgha and Capernaum, where Jesus was pushed out on a boat by the crowd and taught from the parable of sower. Our last visit will be remains of the fishing village of Magdala (Aramaic for "elegant"). During the time of Jesus it was a thriving place that exported dried fish and garum (a fish sauce reduction popular in Roman cooking). Excavations done by the Franciscans in the 1970s revealed the residential area of the village and the docks where the fishing boats would unload the fish caught in the Sea of Galilee. In 2009 a chance discovery revealed a 1st Century synagogue at the entrance to the village from West. It is also assumed that Mary Magdalene was born here. Then walk to the nearby Valley of the Doves, to see the Jesus Trail, and the ancient road that was walked by our Lord. We will end the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. After this, see the remains of a boat that dates back to the time of Jesus found buried in mud. End the day at Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day5
Tuesday - December 11th: Mt. Tabor - Jordan River - Jericho - Jerusalem
Theme: The Transfiguration

Today, after breakfast, drive to Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration, with time to reflect on Christ's Humanity and Divinity. Celebrating Mass here will be a good preparation for the journey to Jerusalem where Jesus was to suffer the crucifixion and resurrection. Drive down the Jordan Valley to visit the Baptismal site on the Jordan River, and have the opportunity to renew your own baptism (pending weather conditions). From there, we continue on to Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, where we view the Mt of Temptation, and an example of a Sycamore Tree. We will continue on our way to Jerusalem, where you will check-in to your hotel in time for dinner and overnight.

Day6
Wednesday - December 12th - Dome of the Rock - Temple Mount- St Anne's church- Malakite church- Ein Karem - Israel Museum

Today we will begin with a visit to the Dome of the Rock and the Alaqsa Mosque for a short tour. Then continue on with a visit to the Church of St. Anne's, the home of Jesus' maternal grandparents (Anne and Joachim). Nearby, we enter the Old City to see the Pool of Bethesda (John 5: 1 - 9), which supplied the water for the Temple, and where Jesus healed the crippled man. From there, we will continue the day with Divine Liturgy at the local Malkite community at the Melkite Greek Catholic Church (located in the Old City.) After lunch we will make a short drive taking us to the village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist, to visit the Church. Then we will make our way to the Israel Museum which houses a replica of the temple to which Jesus was Presented (Luke 2:22). Your group will visit a model of the Second Temple, as it was in the time of Jesus, as well as viewing the Shrine of the Book (where the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display). This will be followed by our return to Notre Dame for dinner and overnight.

Day7
Thursday - December 13th - Jerusalem: Holy Child Program - - Church of Nativity - Shepherds Fields - Solemn Entry into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Theme: The Visitation & Nativity

Following breakfast we will make our way to Bethlehem to visit the Holy Child Program, which is run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. From there, we will depart to the Manger Square, which stands in front of one of the oldest of Christian Churches, the Church of the Nativity. We will arrive in time to join the Noon procession to the Grotto of the Nativity which marks the spot of Jesus' birth. Beneath the Altar, there is a silver star with the Latin inscription: HIC DE VIRGINE MARIA JESUS CHRISTUS NATUS (Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.) We will celebrated the Liturgy in the Church of Nativity, and then continue our final stop of the day, the Shepherds Fields. The caves have soot marks of the fires that shepherd's lit to keep warm while watching over their flocks. We will then proceed to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for Solemn Entry. Return to Notre Dame for dinner and overnight.

*Knights and Ladies:
Step-by-Step tutorial on how to pack your Capes, visit:  www.pilgrimages.com/eastern/packing

Day8
Friday - December 14th - Jerusalem: Bethany - Mt. Of Olives - Mt. Zion - Meeting with Apostolic Administrator (Receive Pilgrim Shell) - Cocktail Reception
Theme: Palm Sunday, the Agony in the Garden, and The Last Supper

We will start the day with visit to Bethany, where Lazarus was raised from the dead. Drive to the Mount of Olives, where we will take in the panoramic view of Jerusalem. Then to the Pater Noster Shrine, where Jesus taught His disciples the Pater Noster - The Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:1-4). Walking down the Palm Sunday Road, we will stop at the beautiful little Church, Dominus Flevit - "The Lord wept." It was here that Jesus wept over Jerusalem [Luke 19:41]. Then make our way to Gethsemane to reflect on Jesus' final night (Luke 22: 29 - 53). The Garden contains trees, the roots of which go back to the time of Jesus. Visit and celebrate Mass at the Church of All Nations to pray at the "Rock of Agony," a section of bedrock identified as the place where Jesus prayed alone in the garden on the night of His arrest. Following Mass, we will visit the Church of the Assumption, and then make our way to Mt. Zion, overlooking the Kidron Valley. From Gethsemane, Jesus was taken as a prisoner to the house of the High Priest Caiaphas where He was interrogated and imprisoned. Now called Peter in Galicantu ("Crowing Rooster"), this beautiful Church also commemorates Peter's denial of Chris (Luke 22: 33 - 34), his repentance and then being forgiven by Jesus. We will make a stop for lunch Included and then continue on to Mt. Zion, the Upper Room (Matthew 26: 17 - 30) where we commemorate the Last Supper. Nearby is King David's Tomb, and the Benedictine Church of the Dormition. We will visit the Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where all Knights and Dames will receive the Pilgrim Shell from the Most Reverend, Pierbattista Pizzaballa. (He is currently standing as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, until the appointment of a new Patriarchate.) We will return to Notre Dame where you will have some time to stop at your room and freshen up. Then make your way up to the famous rooftop restaurant, Cheese and Wine, that overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem. It is there you will enjoy a "Special" Cocktail Reception and Dinner - hosted by Her Excellency, Lady Vicki Downey. Return to your room for a restful nights sleep.

Day9
Saturday - December 15th - Jerusalem: Via Dolorosa - Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Our Lady of Palestine - Final Day in Jerusalem
Theme: The Crucifixion

Today will be an early morning, as we will depart the Hotel at 5:30 A.M. and make our way to begin the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross) at the Antonia Fortress. This is the spot where Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate (John 18:28-19:16). Following His condemnation, He was taken (on the Road to Calvary) to His place of Crucifixion. Your group will reflect upon the Stations of the Cross as you travel through the markets of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Luke 23: 26-33). This Sacred destination is the site of Calvary (Jesus' crucifixion place) and, His tomb (Luke 23: 50-55). The Liturgy your group will be celebrating this morning is High Mass at the Tomb of Christ in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue to the Western Wall, the holiest site to Jews. Return to Notre Dame for breakfast, and then you will have some free time to relax. We will then meet at the Pontifical Mission with their representative, Mr. Joseph Hazboun. Quick lunch Included and then travel along the Valley of Elah, where the famous encounter between David and Goliath has taken place, reaching Deir Rafat Monastery. This Monastery is dedicated to Our Lady of Palestine. The then Latin Patriarchate, Luigi Barlassina, established this Monastery in 1927. The facade in the Convent Church bears the Latin inscription "Reginae Palaestinae", meaning "to the Queen of Palestine". It carries a six (6) meter statue of the Virgin Mary. The Church ceiling is decorated with a painting showing angels carrying banners with the first words of the "Hail Mary" prayer in 280 languages. Return to the Notre Dame for your Farewell Dinner, and overnight.

Day10
Sunday - December 16th - Caesarea - Haifa - Jaffa - Return Home

Following breakfast, you will have some free time on your own to do any last minute shopping. From there you will board your bus and transfer to Caesarea, the former capital of Judea. You will have the opportunity to visit the archaeological remains of this ancient port, which aided as base for the Herodian navy. Shortly after the time of Jesus Christ, it was revealed to Peter in Caesarea that the Good News (to repent) is not only intended for Jewish people, but also the entire world. This is the place which officially ended the tradition of adhering to the Jewish ceremonial laws. As a result, Peter baptized a group of gentiles, the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, and his family. Continue North to Haifa. In Haifa, you will find Stella Maris, a Carmelite Monastery. The monastery is located above the cave where Elijah, the prophet, once lived. A colorful painting of this "wonder-worker" can be found on the ceiling of the Church. Following this visit, you will continue for a short tour of Jaffa, the southern and oldest part of Tel Aviv. It is famous for the biblical stories of Jonah, Solomon, and Saint Peter. Your day will culminate at dinner, and then transfer to the Airport for your return flight(s) home.

*Return flights to the US depart between 11:30 P.M. on December 16th - and - 12:40 A.M. on December 17th. December 16th, to arrive at the airport three (3) hours prior to your flight to check-in and go through security.

Day11
Monday - December 17th - Arrive Home

*Please Note: Confirmations pertaining to meetings with the Apostolic Administrator, Pilgrim Shells, Leo XXIII Medals, and Solemn Entry are "Pending", and will not be confirmed until closer to departure. The order of events, and dates of visit, could change pending the dates confirmed for the above.

Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours

  • 1000’s of flights are being cancelled. 206 Tours will assist getting you to your destination.
  • Your transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival, even if your flights are rescheduled.
  • In the event your tour is not operating we will refund you all your money back or provide a full credit
  • Your seats will be assigned according to your request (most online fares do not include seat assignment appox. $300)
  • If you need to travel few days prior or stay few days later, make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.

If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours

  • With many flight cancellations and overbookings, we feel that you should know:
    If your flight is cancelled - 206 Tours will not be able to assist you.
  • In order to guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior, Any changes within 45 -3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
  • For changes in arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we will not be able to rebook your transfer and you will need to make your own way to / from hotel or airport at your own cost
  • Often times low online fares, do not include seat assignments ($300 approx.). It will be a challenge to get a good seat assigned at the airport.
  • If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours will not reimburse expenses caused by your flight changes.
Know Before You Go

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

Read more

Book your trip now

$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

EOHS Members: Invitation for Friends and Family

If you wish to invite Friends and Family to join you on this pilgrimage, please contact us with their information. That way, we can ensure they are booked from the correct departure city, and that we can make note in their registration so that you can be roomed near one another.

USD
Dates & Prices

Dates

Select airport

Booking

Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request

Pre Tour to Jordan

*All pricing is per person

Pre Stay (Breakfast Included)

*All pricing is per person

Post Stay (Breakfast Included)

*All pricing is per person

Optional Pre-Tour to Jordan

December 4 -