If you wish to discover the sacred Christian sites of Israel — a land where every stone breathes history — here are a few suggestions for your pilgrimage:
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Walk along the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem.
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Feel the reverence inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
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Pray at the Threshold of the Judgment Gate in the Alexander Nevsky Church compound.
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Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and refresh yourself at the Spring of the Annunciation.
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In northern Israel, on Mount Carmel, visit the Carmelite Monastery of Muhraka and the Stella Maris Monastery, both connected to the memory of the prophet Elijah.
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By the Sea of Galilee, stand on the Mount of Beatitudes and explore the ancient town of Capernaum on the lakeshore.
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Enter the waters of the Jordan River at Yardenit, the baptismal site where the river flows from the Sea of Galilee.
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Conclude your pilgrimage at Megiddo National Park, gazing across the vast Valley of Armageddon at your feet.
holy land
Pilgrimage allows us to broaden our view of the world, step beyond the boundaries of our local parish, and gain insights into the Church that cannot be experienced by simply sitting at home or even by attending weekly services at the nearest church.
At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, during the flourishing of Russian pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the word “poklónnik” (literally “worshipper”) was widely used in Russia. This term clearly reflects the essence of pilgrimage — religious devotion and reverence for holy places.
Jerusalem, with its streets and squares where Jesus Christ himself once walked and where the history of the Church began, became the main destination of Christian pilgrimage. In the Catholic tradition, the three great pilgrimages are considered to be: to the Holy Sepulchre in Israel, to Rome, and to Santiago de Compostela and Loreto.
Mount Carmel. Haifa
Stella Maris, meaning Star of the Sea, is the largest Carmelite church in the world, located on Mount Carmel in Haifa. The present building was completed in 1836 after earlier structures on the site had been destroyed by the Ottomans. Its architecture reflects the neoclassical style, while the interior is adorned with Italian frescoes of biblical scenes. The dome, decorated with an image of the prophet Elijah, gives the church a majestic atmosphere reminiscent of Roman basilicas.
The church is part of a Carmelite monastery founded here in the 12th century during the Crusader period, when monks who settled on Mount Carmel began to venerate the site as sacred. Beneath the church lies the Cave of Elijah, where, according to tradition, the prophet Elijah prayed and found refuge. The actual entrance to the cave, however, is not inside the basilica but located closer to the cable car station, and it is considered a separate holy site.
According to Christian tradition, one of the caves on Mount Carmel was also the place where the Virgin Mary encountered an angel and stayed for a time. This spot is commemorated beneath the altar of Stella Maris, adding further spiritual significance to the church.
Today, Stella Maris is a major Catholic pilgrimage destination, drawing believers and visitors from around the world.
During Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign, the earlier church that stood here was severely damaged in 1799. The monastery was converted into a hospital for French soldiers who were sick and wounded. A monument in front of the basilica now commemorates those events.
On Mount Carmel, in northern Israel, lies the major port city of Haifa, with its TV tower, airport, and university.
The mountain rises 546 meters above sea level and is home to Druze villages — a people with a unique culture and traditions. I share a video story about them as well.
Mount Carmel is deeply rooted in biblical history, and several important pilgrimage centers are located on its slopes.
One of them is the small Carmelite Monastery of Muhraka, situated near the largest Druze town, Daliyat al-Karmel. The monastery marks the place where the prophet Elijah confronted and defeated 450 prophets of Baal. On the site of the biblical altar, originally built from 12 stones for sacrifice, now stands a small chapel. Visitors can climb to its rooftop for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Carmel Valley.
The chapel is surrounded by a small garden, and the main landmark of the monastery is a large statue of the Prophet Elijah. The monastery is open only on Saturdays, from 10:00 to 16:00. Next to it, there is a free walking path that leads to a scenic viewpoint, offering beautiful photo opportunities.
From Mount Carmel in Haifa, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Bat Galim Beach, popular with surfers, as well as the charming cable car line that climbs from the shore up the mountain in a single stop. This sacred mountain is closely tied to the name of one of the most revered biblical prophets — Elijah (in Hebrew, Eliyahu).
At the foot of the mountain lies a small Carmelite monastery next to the cave where, according to Christian tradition, the Prophet Elijah found refuge during times of persecution and spoke with God. Today, this cave has become a pilgrimage site for Christians.
Thousands of pilgrims come here every year to pray, ask for protection, healing, and spiritual strength. Outside the monastery, there is a courtyard with benches and picnic tables, while behind it, a dirt path winds up the mountain through pine trees. Inside the cave, oil lamps and candles are lit, and the walls are covered with inscriptions and prayers left by people from all over the world.
Practical Information:
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Location: At the foot of Mount Carmel, Allenby Road, beneath the Stella Maris Monastery.
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Opening Hours: Daily except Saturday, 9:00–15:00.
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Entrance: Free.
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Tip: Women are advised to bring a shawl or cover for their shoulders.
Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee)
The Church of the Beatitudes, located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum, stands on the site where, according to tradition, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. The modern church was built in 1938, designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, who created many other Christian holy sites in the Holy Land.
The church is built in a neoclassical style with elements of Italian architecture. Its octagonal shape symbolizes the eight Beatitudes proclaimed here. Inside, the atmosphere of reverence is enhanced by stained-glass windows displaying the words of the Beatitudes in Latin.
The church is surrounded by gardens overlooking the Sea of Galilee, creating a serene and picturesque setting ideal for prayer and reflection. Next to the church stands a Franciscan monastery, which maintains this sacred site.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the Church of the Beatitudes to experience the spirit of the Sermon on the Mount and enjoy the panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee and its surroundings.
Church of St. Peter in Capernaum
Capernaum, also known as the “Town of Jesus,” is where much of what is described in the Gospels took place. It was here that Jesus carried out a significant part of His ministry, healed the sick, and gathered His disciples.
One of the key holy sites in Capernaum is the modern Church of St. Peter, built above the ruins of the house of the Apostle Peter, one of Christ’s closest disciples. This striking black-glass church was erected in the 1990s by Franciscan monks and features a unique design. It stands on thick stone pillars above the archaeological remains of the ancient house believed to be Peter’s home.
Inside, the floor around the altar is made of glass, allowing visitors to look directly down at the ruins of the Apostle’s dwelling and an early Christian place of worship beneath their feet. The Church of St. Peter is therefore not only a historical shrine but also a place of deep spiritual significance.
Outside, a small garden with benches provides space for reflection as well as for lectures and seminars, all with stunning views of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) and the surrounding hills. Here, visitors can sit in silence and feel the closeness of events that took place more than 2,000 years ago, recalling the Gospel stories of miracles, sermons, and Jesus’s love for His disciples.
Capernaum is frequently visited by pilgrims from all Christian traditions, all seeking to connect with the apostolic age.
Practical Information:
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Opening hours: 9:00–16:00, including Saturdays.
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Entrance fee: 10 NIS per person.
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Facilities: Large parking area and modern restrooms.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles in Capernaum
On the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the ancient fishing village of Capernaum, stands the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles. This sacred site holds profound significance for Christians: according to the Gospels, Capernaum was the home of Peter and Andrew, the place where Jesus healed the sick, called disciples, and taught in the synagogue. The church is a living reminder of the ministry of Christ and the mission of His apostles.
The ancient village of Capernaum flourished during the time of Jesus, and its ruins today include a synagogue and houses dating back to the first century. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem established the Church of the Holy Apostles here in 1931, honoring the memory of the Twelve Apostles who spread the Gospel from Galilee to the ends of the earth.
The church is instantly recognizable by its bright red domes and whitewashed walls, rising above the greenery of Galilee. Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered with vivid Byzantine-style frescoes. These paintings depict scenes from the New Testament: Christ walking on the water, the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, the calling of the apostles, and the miracles of the loaves and fishes. The icons of the apostles and the large image of Christ Pantocrator in the dome create an atmosphere of reverence and awe.
The Church of the Holy Apostles is an active place of worship under the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Services are held regularly, especially on feast days of the apostles. Monks and priests maintain the church and gardens, welcoming pilgrims from all over the world. For visitors, it is both a site of prayer and a chance to encounter the living Orthodox tradition in the land where the Gospel was first proclaimed.
Practical Information for Visitors
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Location: Capernaum, northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, near Tabgha.
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Opening Hours: Usually open daily, except during services; mornings and early afternoons are the best times to visit.
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Entrance Fee: Free.
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Access: Easily reached by car or bus from Tiberias (about 15 km). Parking is available near the site.
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Tips: Modest clothing is required.
Jorden
According to the Gospels, John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River. Traditionally, this event is associated with a site called Bethabara, located in the lower Jordan near where it flows into the Dead Sea. However, since this area is under the control of the Palestinian Authority, access for Israelis and many tourists visiting Israel is limited.
In 1981, the State of Israel, together with Kibbutz Kinneret, established an alternative baptismal site — Yardenit, located on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where the Jordan River flows out of the lake.
Today, Yardenit is an officially recognized baptismal site, welcoming hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year who come to immerse themselves in the waters of the Jordan. The complex is fully equipped for ceremonies, with changing rooms, showers, special access points to the river, and the option to purchase or rent white robes for the rite. Yardenit is managed by members of Kibbutz Kinneret, who ensure order and maintain the facilities. It is open on weekdays but closed on Shabbat.
The site also hosts Israel’s largest Christian store, offering honey, olive oil, wine from the Kinneret region, as well as crosses, candles, and rosaries crafted locally.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Yardenit has also become a popular leisure spot for Israelis, especially on weekends. Visitors can enjoy nature, have a picnic by the riverbank, or relax in the shade of eucalyptus trees. On-site, the On the River Café-Restaurant serves a variety of local dishes with a beautiful view of the Jordan.
Thus, Yardenit represents a unique blend of spiritual heritage, tourism, and modern leisure, attracting both Christian pilgrims and travelers who wish to connect with history and enjoy the natural beauty of Israel.
Emmaus (Latrun region)
Just 29 km from Jerusalem, among scenic hills, lies the Church of the Breaking of Bread in Emmaus — one of the most significant sites for Christian pilgrims. According to the Gospel of Luke (24:13–35), it was here that two disciples encountered the Risen Jesus, but recognized Him only at the moment of breaking bread.
The first mentions of Emmaus date back to the 1st century CE. Between the 5th and 7th centuries, a Byzantine basilica was built here. In the 12th century, the Crusaders erected a church on the same site, which was later destroyed. The modern church stands on the ruins of the ancient basilica, preserving elements from both the Byzantine and Crusader periods.
What can you see here?
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The altar and mosaics from the Byzantine period.
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The remains of the Byzantine basilica, possibly the place of the breaking of bread.
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A 19th-century chapel, offering a quiet space for prayer.
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Information and services in Russian, a rarity among holy sites in Israel, making this location especially convenient for Russian-speaking pilgrims.