Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs 3:7

Stop 1: Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Church_of_the_Annunciation

https://www.goarch.org/-/tradition-in-the-orthodox-church

http://www.nazarethinfo.org/en/attractions/religious-sites/greek-orthodox-announciation-church

The church has three names, each of which gives us a different piece of information about it.

Mary’s Well Church and St. Gabriel Church

Gabriel is the angel who told Mary that she was carrying the son of God. In the church, a spring flows, giving it the name Mary’s Well Church (the water flows underground from the church to a well 140 meters away from the church).

Orthodox Church of Annunciation

Its main name comes from a tradition that the James was the brother of Jesus from the first marriage of Joseph. He was the leader of Jerusalem’s community of the followers of Jesus, and therefore is considered to be the first bishop of Jerusalem. In the Gospel of James it is relayed that the angel Gabriel blessed Mary at the well, but she was frightened and ran home. Here he announced that she was carrying the son of God.

At the spot where Gabriel meets Mary, there stands the Orthodox church, and at spot of her house stands the Catholic Church. These two Churches are very different from one another: statues versus icon paintings on the wall; visible altar and hidden behind a wall with icons.

I think I must be culturally overwhelmed on the scene and only right now – quite time before bed can reflect and appreciate the traditions.

Stop 2: The Mary of Nazareth international Centre

Picture the everyday life of Mary and Jesus plus the tranquil Chapel to worship and meditate the mystery of Salvation.

Stop 3: Sea of Galiliee first encounter Capharnaum the town of Jesus

This place is the first church in the world and is the house of Peter. Here Jesus said to Peter, “I will also say to you: You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not be strengthened.”