We began the day with morning prayer and breakfast. Then a lecture about the political climate of Jesus' times. Father Kamal gave the lecture and it was fantastic!
We then had the rest of the morning free. I decided to take some time and read reflect and fall asleep. This afternoon we went to Saint Marks Syrian Orthodox Church. One of the sites that is said to be where the Last Supper took place. It felt very authentic. There was an icon there painted by Saint Luke, the same Saint Luke who wrote the Gospel According to Luke! The nun there told us that since she has been there (12 years) she has witnessed 7 miracles take place near that icon. Very cool stuff.
From there we went to Ciaphas' house where the Pharisees tried Jesus. There was a beautiful church built on the property. We began in the church upstairs, moved to the next level, and then to the lowest level, the dungeon. That dungeon held Jesus the last night before He was crucified! Also Paul, Peter and James were all probably held in that dungeon. Not just held either - scourged. We went into the lowest cell where Jesus may have been held. It was incredible to touch the walls he leaned on, and to stand in the place I'm sure he prayed for the people who were about to kill him. Amazing.
We came back to Saint George's, and Father Fred celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Father Hedman gave an incredible sermon. Not only did it shake you right down to your soul (in a good way) but the love and emotion he has for God came through in a beautiful, and tangible way. I have throughly enjoyed getting to spend time with Father Hedman.
Tonight Father Kamal will talk to us about the way of the cross, and then from 9PM on we will remain silent.
So sorry Kate - can't talk tonight. I miss you and love you all. I can't wait to see you all again. God bless
Chris
No comments:
Post a Comment