Orthodox pilgrims in Israel

“Orthodox pilgrimage is an old and revered tradition in our Christ loving people. It is sanctified by feet of Christ Saviour himself, who according Gospel, together with His Pure Mother and holy righteous Josef went “to Jerusalem for the feast of Pesach” /Lk 2:41/.

During all centuries Church hierarchy, pastors, monks and many regular people striving to worship and pray at Orthodox shrines followed this tradition. Now after long god-fighting period there is growing strive in our people to visit places of earthly exploit of Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saints. Many thousands of pilgrims as centuries ago go for pilgrimage to touch shrines, to receive healing in monks monasteries, to have fellowship with brothers and sisters in faith. Pilgrimage routs are multiplying, geography of them is expanding.

Pilgrimage to Holy Places is important part of Orthodox way of life. At the same time for many our contemporaries especially needed spiritual mentoring and teaching road to Holy Places becomes starting point of way to Christ”.

His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexei II. After relaxing of visa regime between Russia and Israel thousands of orthodox pilgrims get opportunity to visit the holy places.