We design and develop individual Church Programs to explore the origin of the Christian Tradition within Ancient Egypt.
Exploring Origins of the Christian Lineage in Ancient Egypt
June 9 - 22, 2024 - St. Paul's Parish Pilgrimage
Khemet, the ancient name for Egypt, meaning “land of black earth,” refers to the fertile black land along the Nile River when the seasonal rains would transform the barren earth into rich soil to produce lush food-producing crops. The word alchemy, the process of change and transformation, derives from the old name for Egypt, Khemet. The earliest alchemists believed that true wisdom came from the interconnection of the outer land with the inner self to create a soul of gold.
The outer landscape of the Egyptian city and desert is a sacred book of wonder, adventure and knowledge. Its temples, ancient monasteries and open vistas are meant to illuminate timeless truths. Relating the outer journey with the inner landscape of “what stirs my thoughts, my emotions and my sensations” is the beginning of understanding, wisdom and love.
“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter.
Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times.
Come, yet again, come, come.
”
Rumi’s well-known message is a call for love and peace. In the ancient Egyptian religion these qualities began in the individual heart, which was measured against the weight of a feather, symbol for truth, balance and harmony. Our caravan is a welcoming community of diverse backgrounds and spiritual beliefs to discover your wisdom and love.
“ “The pilgrimage to Egypt with Regina and Dr. Rabia, their Egyptology trained guides, Bedouin support team including camels, and inspiring fellow travelers is a gem-like adventure memory of a lifetime. It is difficult to choose any one aspect to praise, like the futility of choosing one facet of a diamond over another.””
Our learning will be integrated with site visits, teaching from experts, community reflections and quiet time. A truly unique experience will be our time in the desert with our Bedouin friends. We experience the magic of sleeping under a billion-star canopy as in ancient times but with comfortable mats and sleeping bags. Come join this exceptional caravan and let Egypt weave its enchantment in your heart!
“Egypt is so spectacular, and it is amazing to get to see all the wonders with you and Rabia – it’s like you guys have the secret key to open every door and create the most magical experiences for everyone.”
An overview of our time together
Cairo and Alexandria
After we gather together on our first night, we set out to explore the ancient and modern city of Cairo. A journey through Cairo is a pilgrimage through time and an intricate maze. Some highlights:
experiencing awe at the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid at Giza
learn how many of the ancient Egyptian traditions influenced Christianity at Saqqara and Memphis, the former capitol
exploring the endless sensations, sounds, and surprises of the Khan El Khalili Bazar
wondering at the many mysteries of the past at the new Grand Egyptian Museum
walk in ancient footsteps through Old Coptic Cairo and the many ancient churches that have stood at the crossroads of history
explore Alexandria, a Beacon of Knowledge in ancient times
The Desert
We fly to Southern Sinai and enter the desert for three days. The early desert Fathers and Mothers retreated into the desert to practice spiritual disciplines and listen deeply to the still small voice of God.
take part in the joy and meditation of traveling through the great expanse of the Sinai on camel!
witness the greatest light show you will ever see - the millions of stars over your head each night as you sleep on the soft sands
enter into a deeper presence as we walk in silent meditation
feast with our Bedouin friends on bread baked freshly each morning over our campfire
Out of the desert
We continue our journey to the St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai and coast of the red sea as we begin to live more fully into our Here and Now.
be welcomed as a guest in the tranquil Monastery of St. Catherine and visit the ancient sanctuary
rise before dawn to climb to the peak of Mt. Sinai, one of the most sacred sites in the desert traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
join Sheik and his family as old friends and experience true Bedouin hospitality
rejoice as you dive into the cool waters of the Red Sea
gather together as a group for a final time to reflect and give thanks, feeling forever changed
St. Catherine's Monastery
" Surely here is something very wonderful."
Egeria, writing about her pilgrimage to this area
in the 4th century.
The Nile
There is an additional add-op option of a Nile Cruise, where you will sail past shores that seem unchanged for thousands of years as you travel to ancient temples and tombs.
“The pilgrimage to Egypt was for me a time of courage, a time of reflection, and a time of connection to old and new...”
