Holy Land Pilgrimage & Spiritual Convocation (January 8–16, 2027) — Reservation Deposit

Walking in the Footsteps of our Saviour

Walking the ground trodden by our Saviour Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Theotokos, and the Holy Apostles is an experience you will carry forever.

Under the archpastoral guidance of His Grace Bishop Philaretos, this journey is organized not as a commercial tour, but as a sacred spiritual retreat: an opportunity to kneel at Golgotha, weep at the Empty Tomb, and pray in the Judaean desert in the pious, sober atmosphere of traditional Orthodox brotherhood.

A Living Gathering & Spiritual Convocation in the Holy City

In an era when faithful Christians holding fast to the unadulterated patristic Faith often find themselves isolated and scattered across many nations, this pilgrimage doubles as a pan-diaspora meeting point for True Orthodox faithful.

Throughout our 9 days together, the journey will blend deep prayer at the shrines with organised opportunities for mutual spiritual strengthening:

• Spiritual Talks: Led by His Grace Bishop Philaretos and accompanying clergy on the inner life, noetic prayer, vigilance, and maintaining the catacomb spirit of confessing Christianity.
• Discussions on Living the Faith Today: Open evening discussion circles addressing the practical struggles of Orthodox life in the contemporary diaspora—preserving the home against prelest, and raising pious youth.
• Cross-Parish & International Ties: An organic setting for clergy, monastics, youth, and families from different countries and backgrounds to share experiences, build lasting spiritual friendships, and draw strength from knowing they are not alone.

Lodging in the Heart of the Old City

We are exceptionally blessed to have secured private accommodations situated directly inside the historic walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Old City accommodations are rare and among the most sought-after in the Christian world. Staying within the gates allows our group to step directly into the sacred fabric of Jerusalem each day—just a brief walk through the quiet stone passageways to Golgotha, the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tomb of the Theotokos.

Orthodox Fellowship & Pious Families

Over the years, our diocesan pilgrimages have forged lifelong bonds, deepened brotherhood across continents, and—under God’s Providence—led to pious True Orthodox Christian marriages.

While we make no promises, we warmly welcome and encourage families with pious, marriageable adult children seeking like-minded spouses who share the same patristic confession of Faith to attend. Experiencing the shrines of Jerusalem together in prayer, sobriety, and shared meals creates a wholesome and natural atmosphere for families to meet and form enduring connections.

Pilgrimage Program by Spiritual Region

Because our pilgrimage spans 9 full days, the daily sequence is organised around sacred regions and coordinated locally for optimal prayer and shrine access:

1. The Old City of Jerusalem & the Passion of Christ: Prostration before the All-Holy and Life-Giving Tomb of Christ in the Holy Sepulchre; Golgotha, the Stone of Anointing, and the Chapel of the Finding of the Precious Cross. Walking the Via Dolorosa; St. Peter’s Prison; Birthplace of the Theotokos; Bethesda; and kneeling at the Tomb of the Mother of God in Gethsemane.
2. Mount Sion, the Mount of Olives & Jerusalem’s Environs: Ascending the Mount of Olives to the site of the Holy Ascension; the Monastery of “Little Galilee” (where the Risen Christ appeared twice to the Apostles). Mount Sion, the Upper Room of the Mystical Supper, Pentecost, and the House of St. John the Theologian. The Monastery of the Holy Cross and Katamonas (Tomb of St. Symeon the God-bearer).
3. The Judaean Wilderness, Jericho & the Jordan River: Blessing of waters at the Holy Theophany site along the River Jordan. Monasteries of St. Gerasimos of the Jordan and the cliffside Lavra of St. George of Hozeva in Wadi Qelt. Sarantarion (Mount of Temptation), the Sycamore of St. Zacchaeus, and the Tomb of Righteous Four-Days-Dead Lazarus in Bethany.
4. Bethlehem & the Ancient Lavras: The Holy Cave of the Nativity of Christ; Shepherds’ Field; Monastery of St. Theodosius the Coenobite. Excursion by desert transit deep into the wilderness to the great ancient citadel of Orthodox asceticism: the Great Lavra of St. Sabbas the Sanctified.
5. Galilee & Mount Tabor: Ascending to the peak of the Holy Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. Nazareth (Basilica of the Annunciation); Cana of Galilee; and the shores of the Sea of Galilee, visiting the Monastery of the Holy Apostles at Capernaum.
6. Hebron, Samaria & Lydda: The Oak of Mamre in Hebron; Jacob’s Well in Samaria (site of Christ’s dialogue with St. Photini); and prostrating before the Tomb of the Holy Great-Martyr George the Trophy-Bearer in Lydda.

Pricing & Payment Details

Total Cost: €1,250 per person (infants under 2 years travel free).

Your €300 deposit paid online today is credited directly against your total balance. The remaining balance is payable in cash upon arrival at our Old City guest house on Day 1:

• 1 Person: €950 cash on arrival
• 2 People: €2,200 cash on arrival
• 3 People: €3,450 cash on arrival
• 4 People: €4,700 cash on arrival

Deposits are strictly non-refundable.

Included in the Pilgrimage:

• 8 nights lodging inside the Old City of Jerusalem.
• Full breakfast and dinner daily.
• All group bus transportation for itineraries, excursions, and airport transfers.
• Dedicated private local transport for remote mountain sites (such as Mount Tabor).
• All entrance tickets to every holy site and monastery on the program.
• Participation in all group spiritual talks, lectures, and discussion circles.

Not Included:

• Airfare to and from Tel Aviv (TLV).
• Travel visas and ETA-IL authorization fees.
• Personal travel/medical insurance (optional, not provided by organizers).
• Daily lunches, snacks, and personal spending.

Ecclesial Context & Canonical Respect

Diocesan Organization: This pilgrimage and convocation is hosted by the Western European Diocese of the Russian True Orthodox Church (RTOC) under the omophorion of His Grace Bishop Philaretos. Our church maintains a strict patristic stance, holding no communion with the state patriarchates, and will not attend or participate in services of state-church bodies in the Holy Land.

An Open Hand to Respectful Visitors: Guests from outside of our church are welcome to join us, with the understanding that they respect our canonical order and follow the direction of Bishop Philaretos and the pilgrimage leaders.

Important Travel & Entry Requirements

1. Flight Approvals (Tel Aviv – TLV): The pilgrimage begins and ends at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). On January 8, select flights landing by early afternoon or earlier. On January 16, select flights departing midday (12:00 PM) or later. Do not purchase flights until you have emailed your proposed itinerary to [email protected] and received written approval from the organisers.
2. Passport 6-Month Rule & Scans: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your arrival date (valid through at least July 8, 2027). A clear scan or photograph of each traveler’s passport photo page must be emailed to the organisers prior to arrival in order to register our group with local accommodations.
3. Entry Visas & ETA-IL: Pilgrims are entirely responsible for securing their own travel entry documents to Israel at their own expense:
   • ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization): Travelers holding passports from visa-exempt countries (such as the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) must obtain an approved ETA-IL prior to departing for Israel. This must be applied for individually and paid for online through the official website of the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority.
   • Consular Visas: If your country of citizenship requires a traditional consular visa to enter Israel, you must apply for and obtain this independently through your local Israeli embassy or consulate well in advance.
4. Travel & Medical Insurance: Travel and medical insurance is not required by law to enter Israel. The pilgrimage organizers do not provide insurance coverage. It is entirely up to the personal discretion of each pilgrim whether to purchase travel, health, or trip-interruption insurance for their journey. Those who wish to have coverage must purchase an individual policy independently prior to departure.
5. Rooming: Pricing is based on shared twin or triple rooms with pilgrims of the same gender (or family members). Single rooms inside the Old City are extremely limited and require an individual quote upon request.
6. Limited Capacity: Because guest house bed space inside the walls of the Old City is strictly limited, places are granted on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of deposit.