Greetings from the Holy Land. Trip over was uneventful and we got to Jerusalem last evening. Staying at the Anglican College of St. George in East Jerusalem, 5 minutes from the Damascus Gate and the Moslem Quarter of Old Jerusalem. Good group of men, mostly from Sarasota, FL. Two Episcopal priests in tow and a staff at St. George's leading our sessions that includes three other priests.
We took a long walk last night into Old Jerusalem with the highlight being a distant view of Gethsemane and the Mount of Olives. Told it is very safe, particularly in groups, but somewhat spooky walking thru the Arab Quarter including an Arab cemetery with either locals or soldiers shining spotlights at us. We wound up at the American Colony Hotel and had a much deserved pint of beer.
Got up early this am for a Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (shared by Catholics, Orthodox, Coptics and Armenians). The Mass was actually celebrated inside the tomb -- not a big crowd given the 5:30 am early hour. Was able to briefly get into the tomb itself. May have been too tired and discombobulated to fully appreciate it so no out of body/mystical experience. Other highlights are a rock where Jesus was lain after being taken down from the cross (La Pieta?) and a Coptic Tabernacle inside the Church where there is yet another rock where Jesus laid his head.
We have a class lecture this am and then head to the Western (Wailing) Wall. Feel very blessed to be here.
With love,
Dan
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