Come join members and families of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria, Virginia for a unique experience. Several spaces are still available for folks interested in the crossroads of Egypt and Christianity.
“Staying at St. Catherine's in the land of the desert fathers and hiking the trail to the top of Mt. Sinai that so many pilgrims have trod opens the mind and heart to God's love.” Stewart Mehlman, Senior Warden, Emmanuel Episcopal Parish on Orcas Island (Eastsound, WA) October 2023 Journey to Egypt
Many stories and traditions in the Christian religion have been modeled on ancient Egyptian practices and beliefs beginning with one God creating all that is seen and unseen. However, following this act follows a complex world full of ways to explain the creation of both the universe and humankind, and our role within the cosmos. These myths and symbols, developed thousands of years before the monotheistic religions appeared, created a basis for subsequent narratives. Come join our rector and his wife as we explore several roots of the Christian tradition, experience the great gift of western monasticism and the contemplative life, and discover why Christianity spread so quickly in Egypt after the arrival of the Evangelist and Gospel author St. Mark, founder of the Coptic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest branches of Christianity.
dates
June 9 Sunday – Arrival in Cairo and group orientation
June 10 – Pyramids and Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum
June 11 - Old Coptic Cairo, Coptic Museum
June 12 – Mohammad Ali Mosque, Khan El Khalili Bazaar
June 13 – Fly to Sharm El Sheikh, camel trek and lunch in the desert, over night at St. Catherine’s Monastery
June 14 - early morning climb to Mt. Sinai, afternoon is free time to rest, explore the monastery grounds , and visit a local craftswoman and her family for tea
June 15 – Visit the monastery museum housing the greatest collection of ancient icons and manuscripts, Sabbath day for rest and renewal
June 16 Sunday - Drive to Red Sea for a communion gathering and fly to Luxor
June 17 - Denera Temple and Karnak Temple - NILE CRUISE check in
June 18 - Valley of Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple - sail to Edfu
June 19 - Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple – Cruise to Aswan
June 20 – Unfinished Obelisk, Temple of Isis
June 21 – Private Felucca Trip, Elephantine Island, flight back to Cairo
June 22 - early morning departures to USA
Exploring Origins of the Christian Lineage in Ancient Egypt
Featured
Caravan of Wisdom and Love
October 23 - November 9, 2024
Open for registration in Septembe
SERVICES WE PROVIDE:
Meet and greet at airport, transfer from/to airport, all ground transportation, flight from Cairo to Luxor on Star Alliance Partner Egyptair, flight from Aswan to Cairo on Star Alliance Partner Egyptair, , all meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner, bottled water on the bus, our own dedicated Egyptologist for duration of trip, resident tour director and an experienced full-time guide, 4 nights on a 5-star Nile Cruise Line, all entrance fees and our own Coptic Egyptologist for the duration of the cruise. Our own group bus transportation during the cruise, transportation transfers, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive excursions, an opportunity to visit one of the oldest monasteries, pre-planning packages and suggested reading list, random unexpected delights, and a study program unique to the ancient traditions and its influence on Christianity.
Excluded in cost:
Travel to and from Egypt, recommended travel insurance, Egyptian visa $27.00, and beverages (coffee/tea/juices included at breakfast as well as water bottles on the bus), single supplement and group tips.
Experiential Study:
A vital element of understanding a monastic community is to travel as one. The general rule for life was (and remains so in current monastic orders) “Ora et Labora” (prayer and work/service). Our days will include service to one another as well as prayer and/or silence to listen to the “still small voice” or gentle whisper of God. To also try and understand the consciousness of the ancient Egyptians and earliest Christians, who saw all of life infused with the many manifestations and attributes of the One God, we give attention to our sensations, feelings and thoughts as one integrated whole.
PRIMARY GUIDES:
Dr. Rabia is a resident of both Cairo and the Sinai and has been leading Egypt pilgrimages for over three decades. His gift is in his intimate knowledge of the desert and the Bedouin people as well as his roots in Coptic Christianity. He was trained as a medical physician but taking friends to the Sinai is his true passion. Dr. Rabia and Regina have been guiding pilgrimages together for over 20 years. Rabia lives in Cairo with his wife, Heba, and their 2 adult children. His wish for us is to have a wonderful and authentic time in Egypt.
Regina Roman has been leading pilgrimages and designing travel/study programs since she was 18. She is a spiritual director, member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, author of published articles on pilgrimage and spirituality, and is an icon writer. She is the proud mother of three adult children and one sweet grandson. Her gift is in creating the space and the study program for a meaningful experience. Her wish for us is to sense the experience, feel the wonder and awe, and ponder upon all the threads that connect us through time, place, and people.
Testimonials from past pilgrims of Journey with Purpose pilgrimages:
Fr. Phil, Catholic priest, and author.
“The outer journey within Egypt is nothing short of spectacular. The simultaneous inner journey is often as impressive. The most incredible trip I have ever been on”
2018 pilgrimage participant – Joanna S.
“The pilgrimage to Egypt with Regina and Dr. Rabia, their Egyptology trained guides, 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.”
Rosanne O., traveled twice on Egypt pilgrimages.
“Feeling and experiencing the “peace that passes all understanding,” while in the awesome Sinai Desert, assured me that there is a Creator who loves me and who knows me. That experience was so profound; it will remain with me the rest of my life.”
For more information and registration contact Regina at rgroman@comcast.net with subject line Egypt 2024 St. Paul’s. Spaces limited.