MOUNT NEBO

JORDAN

Day 10 - 17 April 2011

Jordan – Mt Nebo

Mount Nebo is a 1,000m (3,300ft) high mountain located 10km/6 mi NW of Madaba in Jordan, opposite the northern end of the Dead Sea. According to ancient tradition, this is the mountain from which Moses saw the Promised Land before he died.Because of its connection to Moses, Mt. Nebo has long been an important place of Christian pilgrimage. Excavations led by the Franciscans, who own the site, have uncovered significant remains of the early church and its magnificent Byzantine mosaics. A simple modern shelter dedicated to Moses has been built over them.

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land.... Then the Lord said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendents.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it."And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day on one knows where his grave is. --Deuteronomy 34:1-6Rising over 700m above the Jordan Valley, Mount Nebo offers spectacular views of the Promised Land as seen by Moses.

Elements of a triple-apse Byzantine basilica were uncovered by archaeologists in the 1930s, and have been incorporated into the structure of the modern church building, known as the Memorial Church of Moses. The modern additions to the church are very simple, consisting of little more than a shelter over the fascinating excavations and ancient mosaic floors. Just inside the entrance to the left is the excavated Old Baptistery, which has one of the most interesting ancient mosaics in Jordan. The baptistery and the mosaic can be precisely dated to August 531 thanks to a Greek inscription, which also names the three workers who created it and the bishop at the time (Elias).

MOUNT NEBO - Photos

JORDAN RIVER

Day 9 - 16 April 2011

Jordan River:


Jordan River Far End where Baptism given

Yardenit ("little Jordan") is a popular Baptism site. Here, the water flows into the Jordan river, eventually flowing into the Dead Sea located more than 100KM to the south. This site is believed by some traditions to be the actual site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13 : "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John").
Not only our group but many Christian pilgrims stop at this site and perform baptism ceremonies, normally in small groups and accompanied by the group's pastor. It is a remarkable and charming site - and should not be missed.


The site is located at the southern exit of the Sea of Galilee, just behind the gate of the Dam that is used on rainy winters to lower the level of the lake. The baptism site has a large parking lot, convenient dressing rooms, stairway to walk down into the waters, a restaurant and a shop.


Mark 1:9-11 "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
BAPTISM AT JORDAN RIVER- Photos

GALILEE, CAPERNAUM and TABGHA

Day 8 - 15 April 2011

Capernaum, House of Simon Peter n Synagouge

Capharnaum, or Capernaum, or Kfar Nahum in Hebrew, is located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. The original Semitic name Kefar Nahum is known from a Byzantine inscription found in the synagogue of Hammat-Gader.


Synagouge where Jesus Preached

Excavations have dated the settlement's origins into the third millennium B.C During the Israelite period (1200-587 BC) it appears that the site was unoccupied. Then it was resettled in the fifth century B.C, and then it grew during the Hellenistic and Roman periods (300 B.C - 300 A.D). Then it reached its peak during the Byzantine period (400-700 A.D). Later on with the destruction of the synagogue and of the octagonal church the town was not abandoned, but continued to grow (700-1100 A.D.). It is estimated that the town had a population of about 1,500 at its' peak.

From Capernaum Jesus chose many of his apostles from fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John) or publicans (Matthew). From the Holy Scriptures we can learn that Jesus taught with authority:Mark 1:21-28; and that Jesus and his companions went into the town of Capharnaum.

We learn that when the Sabbath day came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were thus amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority; unlike the teachers of the religious law.

On that day, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting at Jesus, "why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One sent from God!" Jesus stopped the man and said. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered. Hearing that, the evil spirit screamed and threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. The audience was amazed, and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked: "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!"


News about Jesus spread very quickly throughout the region of Galilee. Scripture says that Jesus heals Peter's Mother-in-Law and many others: Mark 29-34. Later that evening after sunset, many sick and demon possessed people were brought to Jesus. The entire town gathered at the doorway to watch Jesus. Jesus then healed many people who were sick and he cast out many demons. Because the demons knew who he was, he would not allow the demons to speak.The remains of Peter's house in Capharnaum can still be seen; including the inner room which was probably used as the very first Christian Church.

Capernaum, on the northwestern shore, became Jesus’ “hometown” throughout His ministry. Three of His disciples hailed from Bethsaida, a few miles distant from Capernaum. These two cities, together with Chorazin 3 km inland from Capernaum, were condemned by Jesus for receiving much but believing little.

CAPERNAUM and HOUSE OF SIMON PETER-Photos

Jesus performed many other miracles in Capharnaum but many of the onlookers did not believe. Because of their attitudes, Jesus cursed the city of Capharnaum with these words: "And you, Capharnaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." (Matt. 11:23-24).


Capernaum City with Simon Peter's House on right where church stands above it.



Capharnaum was quite small but large enough to have a small synagogue. In Jesus' time Capharnaum was a poor fishing village, which extended along the lake shore for a distance of about 1,600 feet. The Jewish inhabitants could not afford their own synagogue but the Gentile Centurion, who held the Jewish people in high regard built one for them.

The White Synagogue which we see today lies above some portions of the earlier basalt synagogue in existence during Jesus' day. In 69 A.D, the Romans destroyed the earlier basalt synagogue during the First Jewish Revolt.

SYNAGOGUE where JESUS PREACHED - Photos

Mary Magdaline House

MARY MAGDALIN:

After seeing Capharnaum, we drove to Peter's fish for lunch and on the way we saw Mary Magdalin's house, which now remains as ruins.There were two women, in addition to Jesus' mother, who are mentioned repeatedly in the Gospels as being of his entourage. The first of these is the Magdalen, or more precisely, Mary from the village of Migdal, or Magdala, in Galilee. In the accounts of Mark and Matthew, she is not mentioned by name until at the time of the Crucifixion, where she is numbered among Jesus' followers in Judaea.



Mary Magdalin Church

 In the Gospel of Luke, however, she appears relatively early in Jesus' ministry, while he is still preaching in Galilee. Obviously, she accompanied him from Galilee to Judaea, or at least, she moved freely between the two provinces.



Ruins of Mary Magdalin's House

It was to the Magdalen that Jesus first chose to reveal his Resurrection. And in the Synoptic Gospels, her name consistently heads the list of women who followed Jesus, just as Simon Peter heads the list of male disciples of substantial importance, however, is that Mary Magdalen was the last person at the cross and the first person to see Jesus after his resurrection from the tomb. She ministered to him using her own resources; she anointed him for his ministry and his burial, and was in all likelihood on his right hand at the Last Supper.

RUINS OF MARY MAGDALINS HOUSE- Photos 


 Mt Tabor: Mt of Transfiguration:

Mount Tabor is located 9KM east of Nazareth, at the north-east corner of the Yizrael (Jezreel) Valley. It is a round steep hill (613M above sea level, and 460M above the valley), visible from the whole area. It is not an extinct volcano, although it does look like one.

Mount Tabor is a steep round hill on the north east side of Yizreel valley. It played an important role in biblical history, and tradition links it to the Transfiguration of Jesus. The hill is strategically located on the main north-south ancient road, and was an important fortress during the first and second temple, Greek, roman and Crusaders times.



Church on Mt of Transfiguration

Jeremiah 46:18 “….. surely as Tabor is among the mountains… so shall he come”.According to Matthew 17:1-13 (and Mark 9:2, Luke 9:28), Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the "mountain". According to old traditions, Tabor is the holy mountain, and is called "the mount of Transfiguration" .

"And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light". And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. and when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, arise, and be not afraid, and when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, tell the vision to no man, until the son of man be risen again from the dead, and his disciples asked him, saying, why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? and Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, that Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist".

MT OF TRANSFIGURATION - Photos

Tabgha Jesus Fed multitude.

Tabgha is the traditional location for the calling of the disciples.  It is believed that here Jesus walked along the shore and called out to Simon Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets into the lake. Walking along, Jesus saw two other brothers, James and John who were preparing their nets with their father Zebedee. Jesus called all of these men to follow him.

Tabgha – an Arabic corruption of the Greek name Heptapegon (Seven Springs) – is the traditional site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes. (Mathew 14: 13-21) It is situated in a narrow, fertile valley on the northern shore of the lake, watered by several springs.

The earliest building at Tabgha was a small chapel (18 x 9.6 m) from the 4th century CE; only a part of its foundations was uncovered. During the fifth century, a large monastery and a church decorated with exquisite mosaic floors was built on the site. The complex covered an area of 56 x 33 m. and included courtyards and many rooms used as workshops for a variety of crafts as well as for lodging for the monks and the many pilgrims who came to visit.

The monastery and church at Tabgha were destroyed in the 7th century, probably during the Arab conquest of the country, and buried beneath a thick layer of silt and stones. In the 1980s, after excavation, the church was restored to its Byzantine form, incorporating portions of the original mosaics.

TABGHA where JESUS FED MULTITUDE - Photos 




Boating on Sea of Galilee

BOATING ON SEA OF GALILEE:

This afternoon we all went for 90 minutes ride on the boat named FAITH on sea of Galilee. It was quite a fun and there was lots of singing and dancing. We also tried to catch fish unfortunately there was none was caught. Wondered how Jesus managed to catch so much (o;

According to the gospels, Jesus’ earthly ministry centered around the Sea of Galilee. While important events occurred in Jerusalem, the Lord spent most of the three years of His ministry along the shore of this freshwater lake. Here He gave more than half of His parables and here He performed most of his miracles.

At about 212 meters below sea level, the Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world.

This lake supports Israel’s life and agriculture today, just as it did in the past. The region around the Sea of Galilee thrived because of the fishing industry, and Jesus’ first disciples were fishermen. Early in the Gospels, Jesus lived in Nazareth, near the Sea of Galilee, and several of the Gospels even have Jesus back at the lake after the Resurrection.one cold winter’s day—January 24th, 1986—history instantly changed with the discovery of a 2,000-year-old artifact that has come to be known to millions around the world as “The Jesus Boat.”



“The Jesus Boat”

 BOATING ON SEA OF GALILEE - Photos

 Megiddo and Cana

Day 7 - 14 April 2011


Armagidon Valley:

The word “Armageddon” comes from a Hebrew word Har-Magedone, which means “Mount Megiddo” and has become synonymous with the future battle in which God will intervene and destroy the armies of the Antichrist as predicted in biblical prophecy (Revelation 16:16; 20:1-3, 7-10). There will be a multitude of people engaged in the battle of Armageddon, as all the nations gather together to fight against Christ.
The most likely location is the hill country surrounding the plain of Meggido, some sixty miles north of Jerusalem. More than two hundred battles have been fought in that region. The plain of Megiddo and the nearby plain of Esdraelon will be the focal point for the battle of Armadeggon, which will rage the entire length of Israel as far south as the Edomite city of Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1).


The valley of Armageddon was famous for two great victories in Israel’s Barak’s victory over the Canaanites (Judges 4:15) and Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 7). Armageddon was also the site for two great tragedies: 1) the death of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:8) and the death of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29-30); 2 Chronicles 35:22).

Holy Prophet Elijah the Thesbite (Mar Elias) was one of the great prophets of the Old Testament - Holy Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) was filled with zeal for spreading the word of Holy God. He lived during the reign of King Achab (875-845 B.C.). His actions are in the First and Second Books of Kings in the Old Testament of the Bible. Prophets are people who were sent by God to speak the truth to those who were disobedient. 

Prophets of Baal:Under the influence of his Tyrian wife, Jezabel, King Achab, erected a temple to the Tyrian god Baal in Samaria. Also, King Achab inported many prophets of Baal.Holy Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) bid King Achab to summon the prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel for a decisive contest between the god of Baal and Yahweh, the God of the Jews. The contest was held, Yahweh won, and the prophets of Baal were killed

The Holy Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) rode a chariot of fire into heaven. The Holy Prophet Elijah (Mar Elias) did not die. "As they (The Holy Prophet Elijah {Mar Elias} and Holy Prophet Elisha) walked conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." (2 Kings 2:11) Holy Prophet Elijah the Living, because he was taken up to heaven in a flaming chariot. 

BATTLE between ELIJAH and BAAL PROPHETS - Photos 


Emaus Nicopolis:

The city Emmaus-Nikopol (Nikopol from the Greek means "City of Victory") is a great importance in the Byzantine era. At that time, in the city there was 2 temples (4-5 century AD). The Temples destroyed in the 7 century AD with the Persian invasion, and only 12 century temple was restored crusaders. But this temple is destroyed, and only in 1878. 



Emaus Nicopolis

Emmaus is mentioned in the Luke, Chapter 24, 13-31 as the village where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his crucifixtion and resurrection:

That very day two of them were going to a village (one hundred and) sixty stadia away from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were speaking about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were speaking and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on further. But they urged him, ‘Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is declining.’ So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
EMAUS NICOPOLIS - Photos 

  

John Baptist Birth Place



Church of John the Baptish



The village of Ein Kerem (Karem), on the west side of Jerusalem,   is according to tradition the birthplace of John the Baptist. Five churches and monasteries are located around the village: St John (birthplace of John), Visitation Church (named after virgin Mary's visited to the summer house of John),  Russian Monastery (AlMoskovia), Greek Orthodox convent of St. John, and the monastery of Notre Dame De Sion.

JOHN BAPTISH BIRTH PLACE - Photos 



Passing on Holy water from Shiloach Pool

 Shiloach Pool:

The small Shiloach Pool, to which the waters of the Gihon flow today, is part of a pool from the Byzantine Era. Fragments of pillars which can be seen today in the pool, appear to be remains of the Shiloach Church that was built in this location. Archeologist believe that during the second Temple Era, the waters continued to flow south and were collected in an additional larger pool. This pool was discovered during the summer of 2004 and is continuing to be uncovered today.

 According to John 9:7, Jesus sent a blind man to wash his eyes in the "pool of Shiloach," and he was healed. From the Middle Ages onward, the name Shiloach referred to the village on the eastern slope of the Kidron Valley. The village was a suburb of Jerusalem, and the inhabitants worked the fields on the hill of Ophel.

SHILOACH POOL - Photos

WEDDING at CANA   

Jesus attended a wedding that took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. (John 2:1-11) When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so. The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. In the picture below you will find the stone jar that was used at the wedding.

Church Stands now at the location of Wedding of Cana

CANA WEDDING - Photos

BAHAI GARDEN OF HAIFA
Haifa's most striking landmark is the splendid Baha'i Shrine and Gardens, located on the edge of the city center. It is the second holiest shrine of the Baha'i Faith. The immaculate Baha'i Gardens, completed in 2001, are a tranquil memorial to the founders of the Baha'i Faith. Pilgrims come to Haifa from all parts of the world to pay homage to the first leaders of their religion, which emphasizes unity across cultures and religions.

Bahai Garden

Haifa is the international headquarters for the Baha'i Faith, which began amidst persecution in Persia in the mid-19th century. Baha'is believe in the unity of all religions and believe that messengers of God like Moses, Jesus and Muhammad have been sent at different times in history with doctrines varying to fit changing social needs, but bringing substantially the same message.



Mediteranean Sea View from Bahai Garden

 The beautiful gardens were originally planned by Shoghi Effendi, the late Guardian of the Faith, and they have recently undergone a massive redesign aimed at putting them on the world's horticultural map.The Baha'i gardens are now a geometric cascade of hanging gardens and terraces down to Ben Gurion Boulevard -a gift of visual pleasure to the city that gave the Baha'i religion its home and headquarters.

 JERICHO

Day 6 - 14 April 2011

KING DAVIDS TOMB- Mt Zion

This place on Mount Zion is the traditional site of the tomb of King David, and holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims. On the ground level are several Jewish synagogues, and the site is one of the most Holiest Jewish places.

King David was buried at about 1000BC, probably in the area south of the present walled city, where the "city of David" was located. This is what the Bible tells us (1 Kings 2: 9): "So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David". Other Kings from the house of David were buried there too, as implied in Nehemiah 3 :16: "...the sepulchres of David..."

After several centuries the tombs were probably destroyed and buried under the newly expanding city.
KING DAVID'S TOMB - Photos 

 HAGIA SION: 

The Hagia Maria Sion Abbey (also the Basilica of the Dormition) is a relatively new church (finished in 1910) commemorating the death of the Virgin Mary. The Basilica houses religious interpretations from around the world (including a Virgen de la Guadalupe from Mexico), and a crypt where Mary supposedly lived and died. The crypt holds a coffin with the figure of Mary resting on top.



Jesus had his Last Supper in this room

 ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER:

This large hall, supported by three pillars that divide the room into three naves, recalls the significant events as told in the Gospels: the Eucharist during the Last Supper, Jesus’ appearance before the Apostles after His Resurrection and the descent of the Holy Spirit over the Apostles at Pentecost.

HAGIA SION n ROOM OF LAST SUPPER 

Dip in Dead Sea

DEAD SEA:

The Dead Sea (Yam Hamelakh -- "The Salt Sea") is the lowest place on earth, roughly 1,300 feet (400 meters) below sea level. It is 34 miles (55 km.) long and varies between 11 miles (18 km.) and 2 miles (3 km.) in width. The Sea is 1,400 feet (430 m.) deep. This unique sea is fed by the Jordan River. There is no outflow; and the exceptionally high rate of evaporation (high temperatures, low humidity) produces large quantities of raw chemicals. These are extracted and exported throughout the world for use in medicine, agriculture and industry. The Dead Sea is actually shrinking. The southern end is now fed by a canal maintained by the Dead Sea Works, a company that converts the Sea's raw materials, particularly phosphates, into commercial products.

Visitors can float effortlessly on the waters of the Dead Sea due to its concentration of minerals, which is the highest in the world. The air is extremely dry, and temperatures are high throughout the year (max. 86° [30° C]) during winter, and 104° [40° C]) during summer) making the Dead Sea a destination for visitors 365 days a year. Floating is a novelty that makes visiting the Dead Sea a kick, but most visitors come for the therapeutic value of the mud and salt water. People with skin disorders such as psoriasis and ailments such as arthritis have found relief from treatments using the Sea's natural resources. Oh, and if you have an open cut or sore, be forewarned, the salt water stings.

DEAD SEA - Photos

UNDERGROUND CAVE:

Underground Cave where Jesus was jailed before Crucifiction

Undergroud caves were discovered in 1889, their physical characteristics, proximity to Caiaphas Palace, and their contiguity to the sacred pit (dungeon), suggested public jail where according to 4th Centuary Jerusalem tradition not recorded in gospels Jesus would have been, scourged not only by Pilate but also by Caiaphas and where the apostles Peter and John would have been held and scourged for preaching the name of Jesus in the temple dread after resurrection (Acts 5 :19)

Aided by the context, Christians traditionally recall some of the painful sufferings endured by Jesus Christ during his Passions.

UNGERGROUD CAVE - Photos

WAY OF THE CROSS:  

Jesus Carried his cross this way-  now stands as Market place



Most important place we have been to was the way where Jesus carried his cross before he was being crucified. Due to over population the sacred placehas sort of become a market place and tourist shops.Due to too much walking and swollen feet, I could not go and see the way of the cross stations. The photos are taken by my husband. (You won't be surprised if they are of poor quality (0;

WAY OF THE CROSS - Photos 

JERICHO

Oldest City in the world - Entering Jericho

On this day, we drove through the desert to Jericho. It was absolute wilderness and I wondered how Jesus walked all the way to Jericho. Here we saw important Tree where Zacchaeus climed to see Jesus. We also saw Mount of Temptation - The summit of Mount of Temptation, rising to a height of 350 meters above sea level and commanding a magnificent and panoramic view of the Jordan Valley, is the site where Jesus spent forty days and forty nights fasting and meditating during the temptation of Satan, about 3 km northwest of Jericho.





"... Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" Matthew(4, 8-10).



Mt of Temptation where Satan Tested Jesus



Jericho is believed to be one of, if not the oldest cities in the world. It was the first city captured by the Israelites after their 40 years of wandering in the desert after the exodus from Egypt. Ironically, Jericho (along with the Gaza Strip) was the first territory given to the Palestinians by Israel as part of their peace agreement in 1994.


Jericho sits between Mt. Nebo in the east, the Central Mountains to the west and the Dead Sea to the south. In addition to these natural fortifications, Jericho also benefited from natural irrigation afforded by the Jordan River approximately four miles to the west, and from underground tributaries from the Central Mountains which fed her famous oasis. This irrigation resulted in teeming plant life and helped to transform Jericho into a flowing sea of green in an otherwise barren desert. Besides being old, Jericho is also one of the lowest cities in the world, about 800 feet (244 m) below sea level.



Behind us Sycamore Tree where Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus

"And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. (Luke 19:1-10)

We had lunch here and did some Dead sea product shopping at Jericho.

JERICHO - Photos

BETHLAHEM - Promised Land

Day 5 - 13 April 2011

TABA

From Cairo, Egypt we drove to TABA in Egypt, which is the border between Israel and Egypt. We had to leave the vehicle and had to walk about 500 mt to get to the customs and had to carry our own luggage as there were no other means of Transpoation. It took nearly couple of hours to get clearance from the customs and prearranged Tourist Bus was waiting for us on the other side of the customs. Taba is very beautiful city by the Red Sea where we could see Four countries Egypt, Israel and Jordan and Saudi Arabia from here.

TABA to JERUSALEM - Photos

CHURCH OF NATIVITY

Church of the Nativity is the oldest church in the Holy Land still in use, commemorating the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Since St. Helena is believed to have built the Church of the Nativity, there are others who believe that it was the Emperor Constantine who ordered the construction of monumental churches to honor the three principal events of Jesus' life. 



Exact location of Jesus Birth

The construction began in 326 AD, and with the aid of the locals' traditions who believed that the cave in which Jesus Christ (pbuh) was born was at the end of the village, the architects were able to construct the shape of the cave according to architectural and devotional requirements. The cave was encased by an octagonal structure forming the sanctuary of the basilica, which stretched away to the west in five aisles divided by four rows of monolithic columns.

The Church was rich with mosaics, frescoes, marbles, and a silver manger replacing the original clay manger.

Jesus was placed here after birth

The present Church was built during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian. In 529, the Samaritans revolted, and the Church of the Nativity was badly damaged. The Patriarch of Jerusalem sent St. Sabas to Justinian for help, and the architect sent by the Emperor demolished the church and built the current one. New soil covered the mosaic floor built in 326, and a new pavement was laid at a higher level. When the Crusaders came in the 12th Century, they built a cloister and monastery around the north side of the Church.

The facade of the Church of the Nativity is encircled by the high walls of the three convents: the Franciscan on the northeast side, the Greek Orthodox and the Armenian Orthodox, on the southeast side. The facade had three doors, two of which are walled up. The present low entrance which leads into the narthex, was made at the beginning of the 16th century, in order to prevent the entrance of horses into the building. The narthex is divided into three compartments, and a single wooden door gives access to the interior.

The Manger is situated on the north side of the Grotto, and opposite the Manger, an Altar is dedicated to the Wise Men who came to Bethlehem from the East under the guidance of a star bearing gifts to Baby Jesus.

CHURCH OF NATIVITY - Photos 

KING SOLOMONS POOL:

Three pools surrounded by pine trees are located 5 kms (3.1 miles) south of Bethlehem on the road to Hebron and have been attributed to the prosperous period of King Solomon (950 BC) as mentioned in the Book of Ecclesiastics. "I made me great works; I built me houses, and planted vineyards; I made gardens and orchards, and set them with trees of all kinds; and I made me ponds of water to water therewith the wood of the young trees". 

King Solomon the wise, as mentioned in the Bible, constructed these pools for his wives, reportedly one thousand in number, so that they could bathe here.These pools were part of an ancient waterway supplying water to Jerusalem. They were repaired by Pontius Pilate. Herod the Great (30 BC) carried water by aqueduct from here to Heroduim and probably to Jerusalem.



King Solomon's Pool for his 1000 Wifes

PROPHETJONAS TOMB:

 Prophet Jona  GOD sent the prophet Jonah to preach to the people who lived in Nineveh in Assyria. They were enemies of the Israelites. Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh because he feared that if the Assyrians were converted, they might harm his people. Instead, he set out by boat for a far country. In this way he thought he could hide from God.     But God sent a violent storm upon the sea. "Throw me overboard," said Jonah to the sailors, "for I know that the storm has come because of me." So, praying to God for mercy, they threw Jonah into the sea. And the wind stopped, Then a great fish; sent by the Lord, swallowed Jonah. He was three days and three nights inside the fish. There Jonah prayed, "When any soul fainted, I remembered the Lord, Now I will offer my sacrifice. I will pay what I owe to the Lord.



Jona's Tomb

For God is my deliverer." At last, the fish threw Jonah out upon the shore. God again ordered Jonah to go to Nineveh. This time he obeyed. He went through the streets of the city, crying, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be destroyed." When the king and the people heard this, they were in great fear. The king ordered everyone in the city to do penance for his sins. Even the king did penance that God might forgive Nineveh. God saw that the people were sincere, and in His mercy He spared the city. 

  

Jonah feared that he might be looked upon as a false prophet. He built a hut outside the city and waited there to see what would happen. God caused an ivy to grow and shelter Jonah from the hot sun. For this Jonah was grateful. The next morning, God caused the ivy to wither. The sun beat down with such heat on Jonah that he cried, "It is better for me to die than to live." God then said to him, "You are sorry for the ivy, although you were not the one to make it grow. Shall I not, therefore, spare Nineveh, which has more than one hundred twenty thousand people?" 

Jonah, cast into the sea to save the sailors, was like Jesus Christ, who was sacrificed to redeem the world. Jonah was three days inside the fish; Christ was three days in the tomb. 

The story of Jonah shows God's interest; not only in Israel but in all mankind. It teaches that men must do penance for their sins. It also tells how God made use of His prophets, even when they did not want to carry out His messages.

PROPHET JONA'S TOMB - Photos 

SHEPHERED'S FIELD:

Approximately 2 km to the east of Bethlahem lies the village of Beit Sahour, where one of the most sacred places to Christians; the Shepherds' Field; is found, identified as the scene where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus' birth "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:8-10).

Exact location Angels appeared to Shephered

On the basis of archaeological evidence, it has been proved that the church dated to early Byzantine period, and that it is the earliest Christian structure build on this site.

Up to 1972, only the underground church was visible and in regular use, but almost none of the mosaics were visible. In that year the spiritual father of the Monastery of Saint Savva, Archimadrite Seraphim, had taken control of this holy shrine, in order to build a new full-size church above the basement church. Excavating the foundations for the new church, there were remains of three different churches of the 5th, 6th and 7th centuries found respectively. 

Now the holy site consists of five churches:

The Natural Cave Church which dates to the 2nd half of the 4th century

The Cave Church, dating to the 5th century

The Roof Chapel, which also dated to the 5th century

The Basilica, which dates to the 6th century

The Monastery Church, which dates to the 7th century

The nearby field of Ruth is traditionally associated with the events of the Old Testament (recounted in the Book of Ruth 1:16).

SHEPHERED'S FIELD - Photos 

TOMBS OF ABRAHAM, SARAH, ISSAC and REBECCA

TOMBS - Photos