DAY 7 - HOLY LAND

#Yesterday we got up early (as instructed) but the sunrise was not very good. This morning, however it was amazing. NO FILTER!!! We then we back to bed for an hour!!!
We had our final morning prayers on the coach and then drove to NAZARETH.
For the first time the group spilt in 2 for our services…(Anglicans and catholics)
#this is 4 of our 7 group. The service was in English and Arabic. It was quite powerful…like being among people talking in tongues! For the first time a woman was allowed to robe up and go up to the high altar….progress comes in tiny steps.
#the bishop blessed a stole that someone kindly bought for The Rev…very special reminder of our pilgrimage. (he is looking up as The Rev was on the balcony taking photos ). There was also a very talented pianist at the service. He could have had his own concert!!
#we then went join our catholic pilgrims at the BASILICA OF THE ANNUNCIATION and looked at the images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus from various countries.
#We visited the grotto…and the home Mary was in when the angel visited her. Peaceful and calm. Lots of evidence of an ancient settlement beneath the church.
After another rushed lunch…which was actually quite disappointing…we went to #sail on the Sea of Galilee, we had readings and prayers and then silence…
#it was very thought provoking and quite tranquil. We were actually on the sea that Jesus calmed.
Back at the hotel it was time to pack and eat AGAIN… sooo much delicious food.
At evening prayers we presented the leaders (bishops, cannons and top clergy) with a gift. The Rev had written a prayer we all said…all great until he told the bishop the prayer was for him not for him to say. So he said:
“You really can’t tell the bishop not to pray” he was laughing when he said it!!! It was funny. No promotions for The Rev now :)))