Holy Land: History and Eschatology

Holy Land called the territory of present-day Israel, or Palestine. Literally expression holy Land is found in the prophet Zechariah (Zech. 2.12) and in the book of the Wisdom of Solomon (12.3), where it is also called the earth most precious to God from all others (“the earth most precious to you all”) (Wisdom 12.7) .

The name is Palestine, in Hebrew Paleseth, means the land of the Philistines, who at the end of the XIII century BC. occupied this territory and gave it a name, which is later reported by the Greek historian Herodotus.

However, the oldest biblical name for this territory is Canaan(Judg. 4, 2), land of Canaan or land of the Canaanites(Gen. 11:31; Ex. 3:17). Somewhat later in the Old Testament it is called Israeli limits(1 Sam. 11:3) and land of the Lord(Hos. 9, 3) or simply Earth(Jer.). Therefore, predominantly Earth. Hence and in the modern colloquial language in Israel, it is called simply Erez, or haaretz = Earth(Ps. 103.14: "Hamotzi lehem min haaretz" = "to produce bread from the earth") .

In the New Testament it is called the land of Israel and the land of Judah(Mt. 2:20; Jn. 3:22), as well as promised land th, which Patriarch Abraham "received as an inheritance" from God ("he had to receive as an inheritance") and "by faith he dwelt in the promised land as in a foreign land" (Heb. 11:8-9). In these last words contains the highest historical, metahistorical meaning of the Holy Land, but more on that later.

So Palestine is Earth biblical - earth sacred history and sacred geography three great world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Consider it first from the point of view of geography.

Biblical scholars today refer to the large geographic area of ​​the Middle East, which includes Palestine, Syria, and Mesopotamia, with its appropriate term, the "fertile crescent." This geographic space is stretched out in the form of a certain Luke or arcs over the Syro-Arabian Desert and connects the Persian Gulf with the Mediterranean and Red Seas. On the upper side of this geographic arc are the mountain ranges of Iran, Armenia and Asia Minor Tavros, and on the lower side - the Syrian and Arabian deserts. Four large rivers flow through the territory of this arc: the Tigris, Euphrates, Orontes and Jordan, and on its very border - the Nile River. The eastern end of the "fertile crescent" is Mesopotamia, and the western end includes the valley between the Judean Desert and the Mediterranean Sea and descends to the Nile Valley. Palestine is the southwestern tip of this large geographical area, linking Asia and Africa, and through the Mediterranean also Europe.

This key place at the junction of the old continents of our planet Earth has been inhabited since ancient times and is a center of civilization. For Europe, this territory was, in fact, primarily East. She was and has remained, since, undoubtedly, without this she is so Middle There is no East and Europe itself.

So Palestine, being a link between Mesopotamia and Egypt, was at the same time the connection and center of East and West. This Middle Eastern territory, or, in other words, the space of the Eastern Mediterranean basin, is the cradle of European civilization, and in its geographical and spiritual content is neither East nor West. Both geographically and spiritually, this territory was never closed, but was in constant contact with Arabia and Mesopotamia, through Iran (Persia) with India, then through Egypt and Nubia with Africa, as well as through Asia Minor and the Mediterranean islands with Europe. Consequently, Palestine was in constant contact with the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, and from very early times with the Aegean and Hellenic-Roman civilizations and cultures. But how holy Land, Palestine has its own special biblical civilization, which included all three of the above.

Geographically, the Holy Land of Palestine itself is made up of different areas. In the central part, this is the Judean Plain, or, in biblical terms, Ezdrilon. It stretches from the Negev desert, or Negib, in the south, i.e. from the Sinai Peninsula, to Mount Carmel in the northwest, and to Mount Hermon in the north, that is, to the mountain range of Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. The height of this central plateau reaches more than 1000 meters above sea level, and Dead Sea it falls 420 meters below this level. To the west of the central part are lowlands descending to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, while eastern part Palestine is the valley of the Jordan River, which carries its waters from Dan (a spring under Mount Hermon) and the Lake of Galilee to the Dead Sea. The eastern side of this valley, called Transjordan (Transjordan), adjoins the Syrian and Arabian deserts.

The northern part of Palestine is called Galilee, central Samaria, and southern Judea. The length of this entire geographical territory is 230-250 km long and 60 to 120 km wide. Mounts Carmel and Tabor are located in Galilee, the Golan Heights beyond the Gennesaret Lake, Ebal and Gerizim in Samaria, and in Judea Nebi-Samuel near Jerusalem and Mount Zion in Jerusalem, and to the east of it the Olivet (Olive) Mount. There are other mountains on the Judean Hills.

The climate in Palestine is varied: Mediterranean, desert and mountainous, and so is the fertility of its land. It varies from abundance to scarcity, and therefore in the Bible this land is called both "the land, good and spacious, where milk and honey flow", and "the land empty, withered and without water" (Ex. 3, 8; Ps. 62.2 ). The geographical and climatic diversity of Palestine seemed to predict the complexity of its history, about which we will say a few more words.

The most ancient inhabitants of Palestine were the Amorites and Canaanites, who lived here around the 20th century BC. Then follow the Arameans, who lived in Palestine and Syria around the 13th century, from about the same time - the Philistines, after whom the land itself was named, as well as many other ethnic groups mentioned in the Bible.

Forefather of the Jewish people, patriarch Abraham comes to this land in the 19th century BC (about 1850 BC) from Mesopotamia, from Ur of the Chaldees (Sumers) in the southern reaches of the Euphrates. At the call of God, he sets off from there through Haran (north of the Euphrates), from where then came the patriarch Jacob, who was first called by the name Israel(one of the etymologies "The one who saw God", "who became face to face with God") (Gen. ch. 32, 28), according to which the entire Jewish people received the name Israel .. God promised Abraham and his offspring the land Canaan named after its then inhabitants. By this promise of God this land is named promised land, as the great Jew and great Christian Paul of Tarsus recalls (Heb. 11:9).

The descendants of Abraham, and besides this promise, soon descended from Palestine into Egypt, at the time when the Hyksos (Hiks) ruled it (c. 1700-1550 BC). The presence of Jews in Egypt is clearly attested during the time of the pharaohs Akhenaton (1364-1347) and Ramses II (c. 1250), when the whole people slavishly served this powerful pharaoh, being engaged in "plinfurgy" (brick production Ex. 5, 7-8) and building pyramids. In view of the heavy exploitation of Israel, the great Moses- a prophet called by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob during his wanderings in the wilderness, who saw under Mount Sinai I'll buy it on fire(a well-known theme of Orthodox iconography "Burning Bush") and a voice heard from it Yahweh: "I am Jehovah" and "the place on which you stand is the holy land" (Ex. Z, 5), brought the Jews out of Egypt to the Sinai Peninsula (in the middle of the XIII century BC). Here, under the rocky Sinai and Horeb, Moses received the Law from God: the ten commandments and other religious, moral and social institutions testament or more precisely Union concluded between God and Israel (Ex. 7 - 24).

After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the people of Israel, led by Joshua, settled in Palestine (c. 1200 B.C.). The next two centuries cover the period of the Judges, and then comes the era of the Kings. Around 1000 BC, the strong and glorious King David, a poet, musician and prophet, occupies Jerusalem, which later became the capital of Israel. From that time through the ages Holy City Jerusalem becomes the symbol of all Palestine as Saint Earth and a symbol of the Earth and all mankind in general.

Jerusalem was also an ancient Canaanite city. Even in ancient Egyptian texts (c. 1900 BC) it is referred to as Urusalem. Around the same time that the patriarch Abraham came to Canaan, Jerusalem was the city of Melchizedek, king of Salem, whose name in the Bible means "king of righteousness and king of peace" (Gen. 14; Heb. 7), which again is a sign of a great future , that is, messianic eschatology. The oldest inhabitants of Jerusalem, beginning about 3000 B.C., were the Amorites and the Hittites, who were also called Jebusites; later David took from them Jerusalem(this name probably means dwelling of the world but history shows that world his is such as the whole history of the earth and the human race). In Jerusalem David built royal tower on the Sion, the highest place of the Holy City, and his son Solomon erected a magnificent temple of God on Mount Moriah. Here, according to legend, the forefather Abraham, according to God's commandment, wanted to sacrifice his son Isaac, and nearby is Mount Golgotha, on which Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was sacrificed for humanity.

In the context Old Testament Jerusalem, as we have already said, is understood as a symbol of the Holy Land and Israel as a people, and further - as a symbol of the whole earth and all mankind. Therefore, God, through the great prophet Isaiah, says to Jerusalem: “Will a woman forget her suckling child, so as not to have pity on the son of her womb? But if she also forgot, then I will not forget you. me." (Isaiah 49:15-16). The strength of this covenant, or promise, of God, according to Holy Scripture, is the strength of God's love for man and the whole universe. This Yahweh transmits to Israel and through Jeremiah the prophet, thus anticipating his New Testament(= union) with mankind: "I have loved you with an everlasting love, and therefore I have extended favor to you" (Jer. 31:3).

Here, in connection with the idea of ​​Jerusalem as the Holy City and Palestine as the Holy Land, there is a certain Divine, more precisely, the Divine-human, dialectic. It is relevant even now, but more on that later, but first we will complete the digression into history.

In about 700, the Assyrians, having occupied the northern part of Palestine, besieged Jerusalem, but only the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC was able to capture and conquer the city. A month later, the military leader Nabuzardan destroyed the Temple and the Holy City and took the Jews into Babylonian slavery. Fifty years later (538 B.C.), Persian king Cyrus captured Babylon and allowed the Israelites to return from captivity to their homeland. At that time both the Temple and the city were rebuilt under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Ezra. In 333 BC, Alexander the Great occupied Palestine, and the Hellenistic period began for it, lasting until 63 BC, when the Roman Pompey took possession of Jerusalem. Roman-Byzantine rule in Palestine lasted until the arrival of the Muslims in 637.

The great and glorious period of the Jewish kings in Jerusalem, covering about half a millennium, was a time of development and rise, but also the fall of the Holy City and the Holy Land - both material and spiritual. The Assyrian-Babylonian captivity stopped this development. Then came the periods of Persian, Greek and Roman domination over Israel and national-religious resistance, as narrated book of prophet daniel and Maccabees books. All this time in Israel continues the period of great and small prophets of God, beginning with the greatest figure in Israelite sacred history, the prophet Elijah the Tishbite, who was reflected in the person of the prophet John the Baptist at the time of Christ.

Appearance and activity prophets in the Holy Land and Jerusalem was a decisive event in the history of Israel and Palestine and unique in the history of all mankind. Jesus Christ is added to the prophets, Great Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee, the Son of God and the Son of Man - Messiah Who, by His death and resurrection in Jerusalem, expands the geographic and historical boundaries of the Holy Land and the Holy City, thus turning history into eschatology. The work of Christ is continued by the New Testament apostles, who comprehend and complete the Prophets, and turn the Old Testament tabernacle (synagogue) into a Church. Without the prophets and apostles, in the center of which is the Messiah Christ, Who unites them, fulfills and fills them with meaning, the history of Palestine and the entire Old Testament-New Testament civilization, and hence our European civilization, is incomprehensible and inexplicable.

The appearance of Christ in the sacred history and sacred geography of Palestine was preceded by the period of the struggle of the Maccabees and the emergence of religious movements and groups in Israel, which were an expression of the attempts of the Israeli people to resist the influence of the Hellenistic and Roman religion and culture, syncritic and pantheistic in nature. At the same time, all this was a reflection of the Israeli and universal peoples' expectations(prosdohia ethnon), as the forefather Jacob - Israel predicted (Gen. 49:10; 2 Pet. 3:12-13). That was the time expectations of the Messiah - Christ, which is eloquently spoken of by many biblical and extra-biblical testimonies. This messianic expectation of Jews, Hellenes, and other peoples of the East was generalized in the first half of the 2nd century A.D. by Justin the Philosopher (who was from Samaria and lived in Rome) with the words: "Jesus Christ is the new Law and New Testament and hope (prosdohia) all those who, of all peoples, are looking forward to divine blessings"(Dialogue with Tryphon the Jew, 11, 4).

The time of Christ in Palestine and Jerusalem is reflected in the Gospels and Acts of the Holy Apostles. Today's Holy places in the Holy Land, in most cases, they represent the geography of the biography of Christ, as St. Cyril of Jerusalem noted. Palestine and Jerusalem are the materialized (objectified) earthly biography of Christ, the earthly topography of His heavenly biography. This, among other things, is confirmed by modern archaeological research and finds on the territory of Palestine, which in recent years have been jointly made by Christian and Israeli archaeologists and biblical scholars.

The Roman conquerors destroyed many biblical monuments and traces of the Old Testament and Christian times in the Holy Land: the son of Vespasian, the military leader Titus, in 70, destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem (in 73, the fortress of Metsanda = Masada, known from the tragedy of the Jewish people, was also captured on the shore of the Dead Sea); in 133, Emperor Hadrian completely devastated Jerusalem and in its place founded the new city of Aelia Capitolina (with the temple of Jupiter on the site of the temple of Yahweh!).

Already during the first conquest of Jerusalem, Christians left the city and fled to Transjordan (Transjordan), from where, in the first half of the 2nd century, they slowly began to return to Palestine and Jerusalem. During the destruction of Jerusalem in 133 by the emperor Hadrian, the Jews were scattered into the diaspora (which for many of them began even earlier). In later centuries, they were forbidden to return to Jerusalem, and for them there was only one sad pilgrimage to Wailing Wall- the remnant of the last glorious temple of King Herod, which Christ visited and whose ruin with sorrow predicted (Matt. 23, 37-38; 24.1-2). However, the Jewish population still remained in Galilee, and during the Byzantine period there were dozens of synagogues throughout Palestine.

The number of Christians in Palestine has been constantly growing, and it has especially increased since the proclamation of the freedom of Christianity under Constantine the Great (known Edict of Milan 313 on religious tolerance). The Holy Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine, set out in the year 326 from Niš and Nicomedia to the Holy Land and began extensive work there to renovate the holy places. With the help of Constantine, she erected dozens of churches in Palestine, in the places of the Nativity (her basilica in Bethlehem exists to this day), the life, deeds and sufferings of the Savior (the Church of the Resurrection on the Holy Sepulcher, with annexes, exists now). Recently, on the mosaic floor of one of the churches in Palestine, a map of this country was discovered with the temples of these first Christian emperors, Saints Constantine and Helena, imprinted on it. The later tradition of Zadzhbinarianism, among the Byzantine and Serbian rulers, and among the rulers of other Christian peoples, originates from the Holy Land. The construction of Helena in the Holy Land was continued by the Empress Eudoxia, wife of Theodosius II, as well as Emperor Justinian. Emperor Heraclius in 628 returned the Holy Cross of Christ, captured by the Persians, acquired in his time by the holy Empress Helen and revered by all Christians from time immemorial.

The pious pilgrimage to the Holy Land continued uninterrupted for centuries and, with the changes and difficulties brought by each historical era, continues to this day. (One of the oldest books on pilgrimage, "Description of the Journey to the Holy Places" of Eteria, IV century). The most significant and authentic holy places until now belong to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Zion "Mother of all Churches" of God, and then to Roman Catholics, Copts, Protestants, etc.

In 637, the Muslim Arabs occupied Jerusalem, and then the heirs of the conqueror Caliph Omar, on the site of the Solomon and Justinian temples, erected two mosques that still exist, which, like the two thousand-year-old Orthodox church Resurrection and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Golgotha, the newly formed Jewish state of Israel did not touch. From the end of the 11th century to the 13th century, Western Christians, the crusaders, temporarily liberated Jerusalem, but at the same time heavily plundered it and other holy places, so that even the initiator of the crusades, Pope Innocent III, criticized them for plundering shrines, which Muslims respected at least to a certain extent. . However, the Pope overstepped this and supplied his puppet Uniate "patriarchs" throughout the enslaved Orthodox East.

From the Arabs, dominion in Palestine passed to the Seljuks, then to the Mamluks, and finally to the Ottomans. Only in 1917, Turkish power was finally removed from Palestine, and control was transferred to the British, who in a certain way helped the Jews in the formation in 1948 of the current state of Israel. AT late XIX century, the Swiss-based Zionist movement moved to Jerusalem. Shortly before this royal Russia founded the Russian Palestine Society in Palestine for the study of the Holy Land, which was also done at one time by Western Roman Catholics and Protestants, whose biblical and archaeological schools in Jerusalem are now world famous. The Orthodox Jerusalem Patriarchate has its own "seminary of the Holy Cross" in Jerusalem.

And now in the center of attention of the inhabitants of the Holy Land and the whole world are, first of all, Holy places. In fact, the whole of Palestine is one big holy place. Here materialized (objectified) the centuries-old biblical history, to a certain extent, our entire Old Testament-New Testament civilization, the material and spiritual culture of Europe and the Europeanized peoples of the world. Enough has been written about these holy places in our time, and everything essential is basically known. Each of these shrines has its own special spiritual significance, a multifaceted heritage that can be felt and experienced only at the scene. It would be a really special personal story about each of the holy places and their relived history, but we won't dwell on that. We will only briefly say something about the historiosophical significance of the Holy Land and Jerusalem within the framework of the Judeo-Christian spiritual tradition, that is, on the basis of the biblical Christian vision. peace and humanity.

From the Bible, from the view of the Holy Land captured in it, it is clear that at first it was a "foreign land", a land of polytheists and pagans. Then God promised and gave her as an inheritance to Abraham and his offspring Israel, old and new. However, the inheritance of this "promised land", from a historical point of view, was changeable. In the very biblical narrative of the original days of the Holy Land, the historical authenticity of which is confirmed (the Bible is primarily a book historical, although her message is both metahistorical), contains one universal truth.

Namely - the Bible initially closely connects human and earth. First Man Adam "from the earth" - "Adamach" (= earthly!), and the name of the land itself "Adam"(Gen. 2:7; 3:19). But according to the Holy Scriptures, a person is simultaneously characterized as image of God, he is the bearer of the inalienable image and likeness of God, and as an individual, and as a society of the human race, and his vocation and mission on Earth to become son of God, and to make the earth Paradise - one's own, but also God's, a dwelling place and home. Thus, man was given the Divine (God-human) Economy. (The Greek word oikonomia is very well translated into Slavonic as Domostroy(House-building), just as the Greek concept of Ecology in Slavonic is translated as "Domo-logy", Domo-word- care and concern for the human place of residence and dwelling, about the house and dwelling, about the environment and living space, about "land of the living"; as if the Psalmist said: "I will please the Lord in the land of the living." - "I will walk before the face of the Lord on land of the living"(Ps. 114, 9).

According to the Bible, the Earth and the Cosmos were created in exactly the same way and for the same purpose as Paradise and for Paradise. The Bible tells us that man once, at the beginning of history, missed this first chance. But the same Holy Scripture says and testifies that this chance is not completely lost for a person. Man fell, but didn't die. This is the main message of the biblical covenant or union God with Abraham, and it was given just when Abraham was called from Chaldea to come and settle in Canaan, in the "promised land" of Palestine. This is the original promise given by God at the beginning of history, the guarantor of which is He Himself; Man, Abraham and Israel also participate in it, accepting this call and entering into union with God. And what happened to the fulfillment of this promise? Let's consider this question in detail.

Undoubtedly, there is some special dialectics, but not Platonic or Hegelian, but biblical, in that for a person the earth is both joy and sadness, a source of life and death, blessed happiness and prosperity, but at the same time a source of curse, misfortune and loss. This is evident from the very God's word to Israel: the land "in which honey and milk flows" is given to the Israeli people - a symbol of humanity - as an inheritance (Deut. 15:4), but at the same time it is indicated to this very people that they are on this land alien and settler, a temporary resident (Lev. 25:23). From a historical point of view, for centuries, Palestine for the Israelis, in fact, was such. And this is not just a metaphor. Moreover, it was the same for Christians. This Holy Land, which is a symbol of the Earth in general, is most often associated with Judaism and Christianity, but also with all of humanity, and they are just as connected with it. It is in this connection that a certain dialectic is concluded. Because the same God-given Holy Land is also necessary in order to rid from convulsive human attachment to the earth, to the earthly kingdom, and only to it, so that human life is not reduced only to the earthly and is not identified only with it. For the earth is not the salvation of man, but Human salvation for the earth.

The dialectic of this, or, more precisely and closer to the biblical language, the historical paradox of this, we can see in a couple of examples. Even the forefather Jacob - Israel gave the name of God to some key places of the Holy Land: Bethel - "the house of God" (Gen. 28:17-19) and penuel- "the face of God" (Genesis 32:30). In the same way, Jerusalem became the Holy City of God, "the navel of the Earth", according to the prophet Ezekiel (Ezek. 38.12), that is, the center of the world, and therefore Solomon built a temple to the Living God in Jerusalem, in which God loves to promise and manifest His glory. At the same time, meanwhile, the Holy Scripture says that sometimes, in the vicissitudes of human history, that is, due to human variability, there were temples in the same places, serving not the True God, but Baal and Moloch! The "holy place" turned into an "abomination of desolation" and the Lord of glory was crucified in the Holy City (Matt. 24:15; 1 Cor. 2:8). About all this tragic paradox so candidly do the prophets testify from Elijah the Thesbite to John the Baptist and the Baptist, to Christ Himself and the apostles.

In this paradox there are enough elements of that biblical apocalyptic, according to which the idea of ​​the Holy City is bifurcated and stratified. Polarize and oppose each other two cities: The Holy City - Jerusalem and the demonic city - Babylon (about this, after the Apocalypse and St. Augustine, F.M. Dostoevsky, Archpriest Sergei Bulgakov and others spoke a lot about this). In history, in fact, the temple of God and the "den of thieves", the Church of God and the tower of Babel are divided and contrasted (Matt. 21:13; 2 Cor. 6:14-16).

Yet this polarized, black-and-white, apocalyptic vision and perception of the world and human history in relation to the Holy Land and the Holy City is not the only vision and perception that we find recorded in the Holy Book of God. There is another vision, biblically deeper and more complete, biblically more realistic, and this is a genuine Old Testament-New Testament vision of the earth and man on it, as if through the prism of the Holy Land of Israel - Palestine and the Holy City - Jerusalem.

We are talking about eschatological seeing and experiencing the earth and human history on it. It must be emphasized that this eschatological vision and perception is not yet unhistorical or ahistorical. On the contrary, it is the biblical, Old Testament-New Testament eschatological vision opened and made possible true vision and understanding stories not as a cyclic return of everything to the beginning (even if it were a primitive "Paradise" or prehistoric "happy times"), as happens everywhere in the extra-biblical environment of the ancient world, but progressive, dynamic and creative vision and perception of the Earth and Man on it. Eschatological is not anti-historical, it is more than just purely historical. This is a metahistorical, Christocentric vision and perception earthly reality and human history. Let us trace this briefly through the Bible itself.

If we go from Holy Scripture, from the Bible as predominantly Palestinian geographical and historical book, we will see that already in the title itself Canaan the promised land Abraham and his posterity (Heb. 11:9) are really more than mere geography and bare history. It is better to say: this name already contains and eschatological history, and eschatological geography Holy Land.

Namely, Abraham and then David were promised and inherited the land of Israel as meek(= sincere and honest before God and people). For the Bible says: "The meek shall inherit the earth" (Ps. 36:11). And yet, the forefather Abraham, and the king and prophet David, with all this inheritance land, lived on it with the consciousness and feeling that they were aliens and temporary settlers. (Ps.38, 13: "for I am a stranger (= temporary settler) with you and a stranger, like all my fathers"; Heb.11,14: "For those who say so show that they are looking for the fatherland") . The same words of the Old Testament are repeated by Christ in the New Testament: "Blessed meek for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). These Old Testament and New Testament words about the inheritance of the earth are interpreted by Apostle Paul and Gregory of Nyssa as eschatological heritage e, that is, the heritage of Heavenly Earth and Heavenly Jerusalem (Gal.4, 25-30; Heb.11, 13-16; Conversation 2 on the Beatitudes of St. Gregory of Nyssa).

Such a paradox eschatological vision and perception is not a negation of history, but, on the contrary, is the comprehension and transformation of history, the fermentation of history by metahistory, that is, eschatology. This is a kind of judgment on history, but at the same time the rescue history from evil and sin, from mortal and perishable in it, this is the gospel truth that "a grain of wheat, falling into the ground", must die, but not in order to perish, but so that it "brings much fruit" (Jn. 12, 24).

It will be clearer to the Serbian reader if we recall that it was precisely such an interpretation of our human history and geography that was given by the Christian folk, Orthodox genius, when he called the Kosovo definition of the holy Prince Lazar choosing the kingdom of heaven. Recall what the Serbian folk song of the Kosovo cycle says:

"The gray falcon bird flew
from the shrine from Jerusalem"

The song further says that in reality it was the prophet Elijah (representative of God's prophets and apostles), and Jerusalem in reality is the Mother of God (a symbol of the heavenly Church); so that at a decisive moment in our history, the Kingdom of Heaven from Christ's Jerusalem appears to the martyrs of Kosovo. Consequently, not so much the "Jerusalem of today" from Palestine, but that Jerusalem on high, which is free and "mother to us all" (Gal. 4, 26; Heb. 12, 22). That Upper Jerusalem called Tsar Lazar and the Kosovo Serbs to make an eschatological choice in their history. Such a tradition of seeing and interpreting history and geography, cited in a Serbian folk song, came to the Serbs not only from Saint Sava (who, having taken monasticism, chose the Kingdom of Heaven, and thereby did no less for the history and geography of his people and country. he especially loved the Holy Land and "God's desired city of Jerusalem", visited them as a pilgrim twice), but this is a biblical, Old Testament-New Testament tradition, vividly present in the Serbian people and their historiosophical and spiritual understanding of life and destiny of man on earth.

Therefore, it is necessary once again to clearly state and emphasize that the eschatological vision and interpretation of biblical history and geography, that is, the Holy Land and its sacred history as a symbol of the whole Earth and our united chronotope(that is, the geographical and historical center of our civilization, or "the navel of the earth," as the prophet Ezekiel says), does not mean a denial of the history and geography of the Holy Land of Israel - Palestine, and through it our planet Earth. In reality, it's quite the opposite.

To summarize: in the center is true - biblical typological(mystical, hesychast, liturgical) perception and vision of the world, human and earthly history, visible and always considered in the transforming light of the Kingdom of Heaven. It was this vision that the first forefather Jacob had - Israel: ladder that connects Heaven and Earth (Gen. 28:12-18). This is a vision and perception of the earth and the history of the Adam family on it in the light of the presence of the Lord on this Earth and in history. Here we mean the first parousia Christ in Palestine, and that eschatological parousia The Kingdom of Heaven, as it is the same, but in the New Testament, Christ Himself speaks and testifies more fully (Gen. 28:12-18; John 1:14 and 49-52). The apostle Paul develops the same theme more extensively in his epistle to the Hebrews (chap. 7-9, 11-13), where he interprets the total sacred history and sacred geography of the old and new Israel in an eschatological manner. According to the Apostle Paul, this vision and understanding is expounded and demonstrated in liturgical practice by all patristic theological thought, exegesis, hymnography, historiosophy, and, above all, by the Holy Liturgy of the Orthodox Church itself.

So, if we combine the greatest Old Testament prophet Isaiah and the greatest Christian apostle John and link together their truly biblical, prophetic vision of the Holy Land and its history as a symbol of the whole earth and the history of the human race, then this will be the only biblical, Old Testament-New Testament vision, message and the gospel of the Christ-centered movement and feat transformation of this heaven and this earth into New Sky and New earth (Is. 65:17; Rev. 21:1-3), which, in essence, is one single all-cathedral Tabernacle(House, Church) God with people and people with God. Heaven on earth and earth in Heaven.

The Holy Land of Israel and the Holy City of Jerusalem belong to all mankind, both in the earthly and in the Heavenly Kingdom.

02 / 02 / 2004

Translated from Serbian by Andrey Shestakov

The centers of Orthodox Christianity are Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Bethany. Bethlehem is located a few kilometers south of Jerusalem, Bethany - to the east. Nazareth is located 100 km north of Jerusalem, not far from the famous Sea of ​​Galilee. Pilgrims arriving in the Holy Land first go to Bethlehem, where they visit the Church of the Nativity. In the wall of the temple there is a niche lined with marble, in which there is a manger, where, according to legend, the baby Jesus lay. In Bethany, the foundation of the house and the tombstone of the tomb of Lazarus, resurrected by Jesus, are open to tourists. The spiritual significance of the pilgrimage to Nazareth lies in visiting the place where Jesus grew up and later made disciples among the fishermen.

Of course, the center of attraction of pilgrims is Jerusalem. Jerusalem is home to a number of places of worship of great importance. First of all, this is the Garden of Gethsemane, which witnessed the mental anguish of Jesus Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, there are eight old olive trees planted in the time of Jesus. Here is the Basilica of the Passion of the Lord, inside which is the rock of the Passion of the Lord. Usually pilgrims prostrate before this rock, pray and remember the passion of the Lord before he was seized by the Roman guards.

All pilgrims arriving in Jerusalem go through the Path of Sorrow 14 stops associated with the last hours of Jesus' life:

• - Jesus is sentenced to death;
• - Jesus takes up his cross;
• - The Savior falls for the first time;
• - Jesus meets his Mother;
• - Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross;
• - Veronica wipes the face of Christ with a handkerchief;
• - Jesus falls a second time;
• - The Savior preaches to the women of Jerusalem;
• - Jesus falls for the third time;
• - clothes are taken off from Christ;
• - nailing to the cross;
• - Jesus Christ dies on the cross;
• - the body of the Savior is removed from the cross;
• The body of Jesus Christ is placed in the tomb.

At each of the 14 stops, pilgrims stop for prayer and reflection. At the end of the Way of the Cross is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This unique building stands where the events related to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ took place. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is visited by Christian pilgrims of all directions - Catholics, Orthodox, Monophysites, Arians, Nestorians, Protestants, Copts.

Christian pilgrimage tourism is of particular importance in the life of society:

• 1) spiritual and educational role (during the trip, pilgrims learn about the history of the places they visit, their role in the spiritual life of Russia; they get acquainted with the peculiarities of conducting worship, the heritage of saints, elders);
• 2) General educational role (monasteries were and are cultural historical centers, on the territory of many there are museums that reflect the life and customs of various historical eras);
• 3) missionary role (trips to holy places contribute to the churching of many previously non-religious people);
• 4) charitable role (during pilgrimage tours, pilgrims carry out charitable material assistance and donations).

Specialized travel companies offer various pilgrimage tours. Tours to Israel are especially popular and in demand.

Pilgrimage tour to Israel, 8 days / 7 nights

• Day 1 - Arrival at the a/p im. Ben Gurion. Meeting. Jaffa. Russian monastery of St. Peter. Tomb of St. Tabitha. Lydda. Greek Orthodox Church of St. George the Victorious. Moving to Jerusalem. Hotel accommodation. Dinner.
• Day 2 - Jerusalem. Breakfast. Worship of the Holy Sepulcher. Russian Compound. Russian spiritual mission in Jerusalem. Church of the Holy Trinity. Dinner. At 24:00 - Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (from Saturday to Sunday).
• 3rd day - Jerusalem. Breakfast. Mount Zion. Tomb of King David. Room of the Last Supper. Temple of the Dormition Holy Mother of God. Temple Mount. Way of the Cross. Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Calvary. Peace stone. Tomb of the Lord. The place where the Life-Giving Cross was found. Dinner.
• 4th day - Jerusalem. Breakfast. Ein Karem. Place of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Source of the Holy Mother of God. Gorny Orthodox convent. Monastery "Visitation" (place of dwelling of the righteous Elizabeth and Zechariah). Bethlehem field. Church of the Shepherds. Bethlehem. Church of the Nativity. Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Cross. Dinner.
• 5th day - Jerusalem. Breakfast. Mount of Olives. Spaso-Voznesensky Monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Place of finding the Head of John the Baptist. Gethsemane. Tomb of the Holy Mother of God. Garden of Gethsemane. Russian Monastery of St. Equal to the Ap. Mary Magdalene, veneration of the relics of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and nun Varvara. Dinner.
• 6th day - Jerusalem. Breakfast. Departure from the hotel. Judean Desert. Monastery of St. George Hozevit. Monastery of Gerasim of Jordan. Moving to Galilee through the Jordan Valley. Ablution in the sacred waters of the Jordan River. Accommodation in a hotel in Tiberias. Dinner.
• 7th day - Tiberias. Breakfast. Nazareth. Church of the Archangel Gabriel at the source of the Virgin Mary. Church of the Annunciation. Cana of Galilee. Church in honor of the first miracle at the wedding feast. Sea of ​​Galilee. Tabgha. Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. Capernaum. Monastery of the Twelve Apostles. Mount of Bliss. Church Sermon on the Mount. Magdala. Russian Church of Mary Magdalene. Dinner at the hotel.
• 8th day - Tiberias. Breakfast. Mount Tabor. Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Transfer to the airport. Flight to Moscow.

Today we begin a cycle of stories about the pilgrimage. And I will tell you about where you can go with our pilgrimage center, what extraordinary places to visit, to what shrines to touch. Our journey today to the Holy Land.

When we hear the phrase "Holy Land", the Orthodox person first of all imagines the places associated with the earthly life of our Savior and our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother, the Most Pure Theotokos. The pilgrimage to the Holy Land is one of the most ancient and ongoing, despite all the difficulties. Since the first centuries, people have been striving here to see with their own eyes the places described in the GOSPEL, to walk on the Earth with their own feet, on which the SAVIOR HIMSELF walked.

Until the middle of the 19th century, pilgrims traveled to the Holy Land alone or in small groups at their own peril and risk, making their way mainly through Constantinople. Such a journey usually lasted about two years. It was associated with many hardships and dangers, insults and violence. Many of the pilgrims did not manage to return to their homeland.

However, in the 19th century, the convenience and security of communications led to a strong increase in pilgrimage to the Holy Land. An important role in this was played by the establishment in 1847 of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem and the creation in 1882 of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society.

In our time, interest in pilgrimage has increased again, especially since moving around the world has become much easier. Today, pilgrims are delivered to their destination by comfortable air transport in a 4-hour flight.

And we are pleased to offer you a pilgrimage program to the Holy Land lasting 4, 8, or 11 days to choose from. The program of the trip is designed so that you can visit the most significant places for an Orthodox Christian, pray at the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, partake of the HOLY MYSTERIES OF CHRIST.

The route includes the cities: Jerusalem - Bethlehem - Nazareth - Cana - the city of Tabor - the Jordan River.

The Holy Land today is the State of Israel. It was proclaimed on May 14, 1948. The political system is a parliamentary republic headed by a president who is elected by the Knesset (parliament). The capital of the State of Israel is the city of Jerusalem. Israel is a geographically compact country. On a geographical map, it looks like a narrow strip on the Mediterranean coast, 450 km long and 135 km wide. It borders Lebanon and Syria in the north, Jordan in the east, and Egypt in the south and southwest. The area of ​​the country is 21596 sq. km. - a little more area of our republic (for comparison - the area of ​​Chuv. Resp = 18343 sq. km.).

The population is about 7 million people. official languages- Hebrew and Arabic. But English is spoken almost everywhere, and you can also hear Russian everywhere - more than 1 million emigrants from the CIS countries once moved to Israel. With Israel, our country has a visa-free regime.

The pilgrimage starts from Jerusalem. You will visit great amount holy places associated with events from the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Most Pure Mother, the deeds of the apostles.

The beginning of the pilgrimage - Eleon(Mount of Olives), it offers a magnificent panorama of the Old City. Why "Olive" - ​​because the slopes of this mountain at the time of Jesus Christ were covered entirely with olive orchards. There on the Mount of Olives is place Ascension Lord, where the imprint of the foot of the Lord at the time of His Ascension was preserved on the stone. And at the top of the mountain is Spaso—Voznesensky Orthodox female monastery, which belongs to the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission. The head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), is buried there, through his labors and aspirations, the Russian Spiritual Mission in the Holy Land was created in the 19th century. Here is the Chapel of the First and Second Finding of the Honest Head of John the Baptist.

There is a place on the mountainside called "Dominus Flevit" - this is the place from which Jesus mourned Jerusalem, foreseeing the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the coming disasters.

Another site of the Russian Spiritual Mission on the Mount of Olives - monastery St.. Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane. Beautiful place, very beautiful temple. There are buried St. relics of the martyrs Grand Duchess Elisaveta Feodorovna and her cell-attendant Barbarians. On its territory are the Steps along which Jesus Christ walked during the entrance to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The stone on which the Mother of God dropped her belt to assure the Apostle Thomas.

Nearby, here on the slope of the Mount of Olives is the Orthodox Temple - Tomb Mother of God. Nearby is the Garden of Gethsemane, in which Olive trees grow and bear fruit - the same age as Jesus Christ. The Temple of All Nations, the altar of which is the Stone of Prayer for the Chalice (here Christ prayed to God the Father for deliverance from suffering; at this place the betrayal of Judas took place).

Having descended from the mountain, we find ourselves at the gates of the Old City

Walking pilgrimage through the old city starts from the Lion's Gate. Nearby is Bethesda- "Sheep's font", in one of the narthexes of which the Savior healed the paralytic. Church Christmas Holy Mother of God(In this place, according to legend, stood the dwelling of St. righteous Joachim and Anna - the parents of the Blessed Virgin).

Godfather way- the path along which the Savior walked to the place of His death on the Cross. It starts from Pretoria - there at the time of Jesus Christ there was a dungeon in which prisoners were kept before the court of the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate. Pilgrims will pass this way, see and touch the stones, which were touched by the hand of the Savior Himself. They will fall to the Threshold of the Judgment Gate, through which He left the city on the way to Golgotha.

The main Shrine for an Orthodox pilgrim in Jerusalem is the Temple Sunday or Temple coffin Lord's. It contains all the most mournful places last hours earthly life of the Savior. Holy Calvary, where Christ was nailed to the Cross. Stone of Anointing - where the body of the Lord, taken down from the Cross, was anointed with oil and myrrh. Holy Cuvuklia - the place of the Holy Sepulcher. The Chapel of the Angel, where on the stone the Angel of the Lord met the Myrrh-Bearing Women after the Resurrection of the Lord. Rotunda of the Holy Sepulcher. Katholikon - Greek Cathedral Church of the Resurrection of Christ. Chapel of the Head of Adam. Chapel of St. John the Baptist. Chapel of St. Queen Helena Equal to the Apostles. Chapel of the Finding of the Cross of the Lord. Discovery Cave. Chapel of St. Longinus Centurion. Chapel of the Laying of the Crown of Thorns. Chapel of the Prison of the Bonds of the Lord. Chapel of the Weeping Mother of God. They are witnesses of truly historical gospel events, and you can touch them with your own hands, fall to them with prayer. “At the Holy Sepulcher, God hears you as if you are speaking in His ear…” is a favorite saying of Jerusalem guides.

In this place, the soul is filled with an unusual thrill, the feeling cannot be expressed in words. After a person has visited this temple, changes in the soul occur in everyone. Someone feels it immediately and clearly, someone later, after understanding, but grace visits everyone.

You will also visit Mount Zion, where you will see what the Zion Room of the Last Supper was like; Tomb of King David. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected on the site of the house in which the Mother of God lived with the Apostle John during the last years of her earthly life. The mountain offers a beautiful panorama of the Orthodox monastery of St. Onufriy, belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, located in the valley of the sons of Hinnom (Gai ben Hinnom or Gehenom). Panorama of the Siloam font - the place where the kings of Judah were anointed to the kingdom, the place where Jesus Christ healed the blind man.

Isn't it true - these are all the Gospel places and events familiar to us!

The next of the most significant places in the Holy Land is Bethlehem - city Birth of Jesus Christ. The altar of the Church of the Nativity of Christ is located above the cave in which our Savior was born, in this temple there is miraculous icon Mother of God "Jerusalem". The only one in which the Mother of God smiles at us. Here is the Cave of the Bethlehem Infants with parts of their relics. You will also visit the Greek cave Temple " Field shepherds”, arranged on the spot where, on the night of the Nativity of Christ, angels appeared to three shepherds, announcing the birth of the Savior to the world. Tomb of St. Shepherds - witnesses of the Nativity of Christ. You will also be shown the Bethlehem field, where the biblical meeting between Ruth and Boaz took place. Here the childhood and youth of King David the Psalmist passed, and he was anointed to the kingdom by the prophet Samuel.

An unforgettable trip to Lavra prp. sava Sanctified- the ancestor of Palestinian monasticism - this is the only monastery in the Desert of the Holy City, which keeps the ancient monastic charter, bequeathed by the founder.

More you visit Monastery prp. Feodosia Great, arranged on the site of a cave in which the Magi stayed after worshiping the God-Child-Christ.

The next city on the pilgrims' trail is Hebron — oldest city forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the capital of the kingdom of David. It's still growing there Oak Mamvrian, under the shadow of which Abraham received the Holy Trinity. This place is now Monastery Holy Trinity- Site of the Russian Spiritual Mission.

In the town Bethany there is a Greek Orthodox church on the site of the house of Martha and Mary. On the territory of the church there is a stone on which the Savior sat. There, in this town is located tomb St.. right. Lazarus four-day.

Jericho is the oldest city in the world. There, in the Greek monastery of the Prophet Elisha, there is the Tree of Zacchaeus, on which the tax collector sat in the hope of seeing the Savior. Quarantal - Mountain forty days temptations and the Forty-Day Monastery - here the Lord fasted for forty days and was tempted. To get to the monastery, you have to walk up the mountain. Pretty cool and high. And the monastery itself from the bottom looks as if glued to the rock.

Then on the path of the pilgrims lies Monastery prp. Gerasim Jordanian in the Jordanian valley. It's on the way to place christening on the river Jordan(Vifavar). The biblical name of the place is Beit Maawar. Every year on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, the water in the Jordan begins to boil and the river turns back its course to the jubilant exclamations of the audience.

And it was also here that three and a half thousand years ago, the people of Israel, led by Joshua, forded the Jordan River when they finally entered the Promised Land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness.

Then there are trips to other cities connected with the life of our Savior, Mother of God, Apostles and other holy ascetics: Lidda - temple and tomb of St. vmch. George the Victorious Orthodox all over the world love to get married in the church of George the Victorious and believe that the marriage concluded here will be happy; Jaffa - the courtyard of the RDM, the tomb of St. rights. Tabitha; Holy Mount Tabor - Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Every year on the feast of the Transfiguration, at dawn, Mount Tabor is overshadowed by a wonderful cloud of light as a sign of God's special mercy.; Nazareth - Church of St. Archangel Gabriel over the source of the Most Holy Theotokos, in Capernaum you will be treated to Peter's fish; Kanna - the city of the first Miracle of the Savior at the wedding feast; Tiberias; Magdala - the courtyard of the RDM - the place of healing of Mary Magdalene by the Lord, the Holy Spring, where the Lord cast out seven demons from Mary Magdalene and many, many other holy places. Unfortunately, the time allotted for our program cannot contain a story about all the wonderful places on the route, but believe me, there is an extraordinary delight of the soul everywhere and a feeling of immersing yourself in that era. You begin to understand the Truth of the Gospel.

During the trip, pilgrims will fully enjoy the nature of these wonderful places. You will feel “a different flow of time”, you will see a “different” sky above your head. I now tell you about the Holy Land and relive the delight that I experienced there.

It is difficult to describe the feelings that accompany a pilgrim on a trip - it just needs to be experienced and seen. Variety of nature, mountains, Sea of ​​Galilee, olive trees, palm trees, stone desert... The feeling that you are Where You Should Be, in the middle of the Real History, does not leave.

If you have the opportunity - do not postpone this trip, because the grace that you will feel inside and keep is incomparably greater than the “joy” of being in a hotel in Turkey or Egypt and lazy swimming in the pool! The feeling of the presence of the Real Miracle and Fullness will accompany you, not only until you leave these places, but also for a very long time afterwards. Everyone Orthodox Christian At least once in your life you must visit these HOLY PLACES!!!

Kolesnikova Nadezhda Yurievna

Assistant to the head of the Pilgrimage Center of the Chuvash Metropolis

culture

Religious tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years. Sacred places, where millions of believers flock every year, are charming in themselves, even regardless of the beliefs and religions that are promoted there. There are unique and majestic buildings and monuments with spiritual significance, people come to these places to get closer to God, gain faith or be cured of ailments. Learn about the most important sacred sites on the planet.

1) Ta Proom

Ta Prum is one of the temples of Angora, a temple complex dedicated to the god Vishnu in Cambodia. It was built at the end of the 12th century AD by the king of the Khmen Empire, Jayavarman VII. Isolated and deliberately left in the jungle like the rest of the temple complex, Ta Prum has been conquered by the wild. It is this aspect that attracts the most tourists - they dream of seeing an abandoned and overgrown temple of a thousand years ago.

2) Kaaba

The Kaaba is the most important sacred site in the Islamic world. The history of this place, as sacred, stretches long before the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Once there was a haven of statues of Arab gods. The Kaaba is located in the center of the courtyard of the Sacred Mosque in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

3) Borobudur

Borobudur was discovered in the 19th century in the jungles of Java, Indonesia. This sacred temple is an amazing structure that includes 504 Buddha statues and about 2,700 reliefs. Full history this temple is a mystery, it is still not known who exactly built this temple and for what purpose. It is also not known why such a majestic temple was abandoned.

4) Las Lajas Church

One of the amazingly beautiful and important sacred places in the world - the Church of Las Lajas - was built just under a century ago - in 1916 - on the site where, according to legend, St. Mary appeared to people. A woman with her sick deaf-mute daughter on her shoulders walked through these places. When she stopped to rest, her daughter suddenly began to speak for the first time in her life and spoke about a strange vision in a cave. This vision turned into a mysterious image, the origin of which has not been established even today after a detailed analysis. There were allegedly no paint pigments left on the surface of the stone, although it could have deeply ingrained into the stone. Despite the fact that the image has not been restored, it is very bright.

5) Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a truly amazing place, it amazes everyone, even those who do not particularly believe in either God or Allah. This temple has an enviable history that began with the construction christian church in the 4th century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine I. It was once the most important Christian temple until it was eclipsed by St. Peter's in Rome. The church ceased to exist after the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks led by Mehmet II in 1453, and a mosque settled in the building of the temple. Despite the fact that towers - minarets were added to Hagia Sophia, all the internal images of Christians were not destroyed, but only hidden under a layer of plaster.

6) St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica - one of the most amazing Catholic cathedrals in the world - is located in the Vatican. It is one of the holiest places for Christians, and the church itself was built in the 17th century. This is not only one of the most beautiful architectural structures, but also one of the largest and most spacious. Up to 60 thousand people can be in the cathedral at the same time! It is believed that under the altar is the tomb of St. Peter.

7) Sanctuary of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo was built no less than 3500 years ago and is still not forgotten. The Greeks considered it the "center of the world", they came here, like many pilgrims from different countries, in order to hear the prophecy of the Oracle of Delphi - a priestess who was stoned, through whose mouth God allegedly spoke with believers.

8) Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most impressive holy places in the world and the most sacred place for Buddhists. Every year thousands of Buddhists and Indian pilgrims come here, as well as many tourists. People believe that this is the place where Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment, becoming the Buddha.

9) Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is an amazing and magical place. It is so huge that its walls could contain an entire village. Built in the 14th century BC, the temple was dedicated to Amun (later Amon-Ra), the most important of all the gods of the Egyptians. At night, the temple is illuminated by hundreds of lights, offering tourists an unforgettable spectacle.

10) Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the most beautiful, is located in Paris. It was built between 1163 and 1250 and is considered one of the most important monuments of Gothic architecture. Being a witness of many historical events, the cathedral was often damaged and thoroughly restored several times. Today it is one of the symbols of France and an important tourist attraction, which flocks to see both believers and ordinary tourists.

Each of us at least once in his life heard about the pilgrimage. Many people, representatives of one religion, go to sacred places that are honored by one or another religion. They do it singly or in groups - it doesn't matter. The main thing is to have pure intentions and a submissive body, as well as a soul full of repentance and a heart characterized by sincere faith. Pilgrimage is the desire of the lost lambs of God to bow to the holy lands and cities.

A bit of history

From deep ancient, immemorial times, the term "pilgrimage" came into modern language. It is derived from the word "palm". The branches of this tree were brought from the sacred territories by the first Christians who went there to receive the blessing of the Almighty. They usually traveled during the great feast on the eve of Easter, which glorified the entry of Christ into Jerusalem. In Russia and other Orthodox countries, it is called " Palm Sunday". But do not think that only Christians were engaged in pilgrimage. For example, in ancient India, local residents traveled a couple of times a year to the lands where, according to legend, certain deities lived. In this way, they tried to absorb the energy of revered beings that remained here in every stone and tree. And in Greece, pilgrims from all over the country went to Delphi: the soothsayer Pythia lived in the local temple, who predicted fate on behalf of higher powers.

The essence of the pilgrimage changed a little in the Middle Ages. It was then that it became what we know it today. During the heyday Christian religion people began to go en masse to Jerusalem to visit the one erected under Emperor Constantine. In the 15th century, signs and special routes were developed for travelers from Europe: from the Rhone River to the banks of the Jordan. Crusades finally strengthened the tradition of pilgrimage to the territory of the Holy Land. It is known that today about 200 million people annually observe the ceremony.

The main types and essence of the pilgrimage

Believers go on a dangerous, long and difficult journey not only for the sake of prayer and forgiveness for their sins. Often their goal is much nobler: to find the meaning of life, to know their purpose, to find grace, to show devotion to religious beliefs. Sometimes the desires of pilgrims are absolutely earthly: to ask for a long-awaited baby, to be healed of an illness, to get rid of mental suffering. In any case, such a journey presupposes a certain attitude of a person to reality. The idea is absolutely simple: voluntarily take on the hardships, accept the harsh conditions of the road, spend some time in restrictions in order to achieve highest goal. This symbolizes the rejection of mankind from material values ​​​​and physical pleasures for the sake of spiritual and eternal ideals.

Depending on various signs, types of pilgrimage are distinguished. It can be foreign and domestic cities or to sacred places in the bosom wildlife, voluntary and obligatory, individual and group, long or short trips. By the way, as for the time period, earlier, according to the Orthodox canons, a real pilgrimage was considered a trip that lasted at least 10 days. Travel can also be made at any time of the year or be timed to coincide with a specific holiday.

Geography

AT recent times Pilgrimage will have a new psychological base and geographical orientation: it is not only a trip to holy places, but also a journey for health purposes. Therefore, representatives of different faiths go to the East to learn there a new religion and secrets folk treatment for which these lands are so famous. In India, China, Japan, Tibet and Nepal, they settle at temples: they communicate with monks, attend divine services with their permission, and adopt healing practices from them. For example, in Delhi and its district, Ayurveda is very popular - a complex science specializing in rejuvenation and treatment of the body. The teaching is aimed at restoring the harmony of man and the Universe, since it is the violation of this balance that provokes the development of physical and mental ailments. Instead, many tourists visit China to practice "qigong" - a set of breathing and movement exercises that help replenish energy and mental strength. The purpose of such trips is not only to help heal, but also to be enriched morally and spiritually.

With regard to religion specifically, today the main places of pilgrimage in the world are:

• Republics of the CIS. Some of them (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus) are the center of Orthodoxy.
• Europe. It is dominated by currents of Catholicism and Protestantism.
• North and Latin America. Christian belief prevails.
• Africa. Islam is widespread, but there are also Christian centers.
• Asia. It is inherent in Islam, as well as Judaism and Buddhism.

Each continent has its own holy monuments that are a must to visit and view.

Christian pilgrimage

For more than two thousand years, representatives of the Christian world have been wanting to see the Holy Land - Jerusalem. Those who make an Orthodox pilgrimage are attracted and attracted by the Holy Sepulcher like no other place on the planet. This territory is the cradle of all Christianity, overflowing with the beauty of Palestinian landscapes, the secret of nighttime worship and the wondrous atmosphere of sacred memorials. Israel is a holy country in its own right. We learn about him already from the first pages of the Bible: Christ was born on this earth, here he grew up, preached and was executed. Pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulcher was common even in the times ancient Russia. But the founder modern direction By right is considered the mother of Emperor Constantine, Saint Helena. Being in old age, she went here in search of the cross, on which the earthly life of Jesus ended. The discovery of the "true and honest" crucifixion is invariably associated with this historical figure.

Religious pilgrimage is always done with the blessing of the church. This is not only a trip to the Holy Land, but also constant prayers, repentance, spiritual work on oneself, purification and humility. The path of pilgrims usually begins in the Negev: the vast expanses of the desert are associated with the faces of the patriarchs and important events from the Old Testament. At the heart of the path is a visit to Jerusalem. From here you can organize tours to Galilee, Bethlehem, Jericho, the Dead Sea and other sacred places. This route is conditional. Each pilgrim can add other interesting places to it.

Major holy places

Jerusalem is a holy city not only for Orthodoxy, but also for representatives of Judaism and Islam. Many events are associated with it, including the birth and death of Christ. With what objects to start the Orthodox pilgrimage here? Firstly, you should definitely visit Unfortunately, only ruins remained of it - including the famous Wailing Wall. Second, head to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before he was arrested. Thirdly, it is important for pilgrims to see the Temple of the Passion of the Lord: it was built in the 20th century, but it simply perfectly recreates the architecture of those times when Christ walked these streets.

Bethlehem is another Christian shrine. The Church of the Nativity of Christ is located on the Arab territory. It is built around a large grotto, in which a small Savior was born among the cattle. What is most interesting is that every Christian denomination has its place in this church. Do not forget about visiting Nazareth - Galilee. It was here that Mary learned from an angel that she would soon become the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. In the same city, a little grown-up Jesus settled, who returned with his parents from Egypt, where he fled from the persecution of Herod. In Galilee, he spent all his childhood and youth, performed the first miracles and found faithful followers and students.

Pilgrimage to Europe

The first country to visit is, of course, Italy. Its capital is Rome The eternal City, the arena of world Christianity. The local Orthodox and Catholic churches are popular places of pilgrimage, because it is their walls that keep many shrines associated with the apostles. For example, the relics and relics of the great disciple and follower of Jesus are kept in St. Peter's Cathedral. Also here are the graves of other faithful followers of the Christian church, not to mention unsurpassed masterpieces and monuments of world art. In another Italian city - Loreto - be sure to visit the basilica, which is called the authentic home of Mary. According to legend, in order to protect the mother of Christ, heavenly angels moved her house several times: in the end, he ended up in Loreto.

The third most important place for pilgrimage is Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The tomb of St. James is located in the local cathedral, so guarding the road to this relic was a matter of honor for many kings, and if you want to make a pilgrimage to the monastery, be sure to choose Athos. The shrine, located on the Greek peninsula, is one of the most mysterious places on a planet that is shrouded in many legends and myths. They say that Mary herself preached faith in Christ here. Since then, the monks, who have left the worldly bustle, live and pray on Athos. And every person who came here feels a special fertile atmosphere that permeates every piece of land.

What to see in Russia?

There are also many shrines in our country, where a tired and lost soul can find shelter, find peace, and receive blessings. The Russian pilgrimage begins with the Solovetsky archipelago, where famous monastery- the cultural and spiritual center of the North. AT Soviet time it was used to keep prisoners, but after the end of that sad time, the former spirit of antiquity again turned into these walls. To feel the sacred atmosphere, you need to live in Solovki for at least a week. You should definitely visit the Trinity-Sergius Lavra - the largest monastery in Russia. This is not only a treasury of ancient Russian art, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As for the Diveevsky Monastery, it is called another earthly lot of the Virgin. In the 18th century, Hierodeacon Seraphim, who later became a revered Russian saint, took him under his wing. Here lie his relics, which have miraculous powers. Do not miss the opportunity to draw healing water from the source on the territory of the monastery. They say it helps with any physical and mental ailments. Another monastery popular with pilgrims is the Pskov-Pechersk monastery. It is located in the dungeons. Caves are used as tombs, since the remains of people do not decompose here. The Assumption Church was built nearby, in which miraculous icons are kept.

Hajj in Islam

This is what the Muslim pilgrimage is called. It must be done at least once in a lifetime by every representative of this religion. Those who have gone through a difficult path are called "hadji". To travel, a Muslim must reach the age of majority, profess Islam, be mentally healthy and wealthy enough to support not only himself during the pilgrimage, but also his family left at home. During the Hajj, he should not smoke, drink alcohol, enjoy intimate relationships, engage in trade, and so on.

The Muslim pilgrimage begins with the dressing of a person in white clothes, which, being the same for everyone, hide his social and social status. The first rite is a detour around the House of Allah - the Kaaba - main shrine Muslims located in Mecca. After that, a person runs the distance between the sacred hills of Marwa and Safa seven times, after which he drinks healing water from the source of Zam-Zam. Only after that he goes to the valley of Arafat, which is located not far from Mecca. The culmination of the rite is unceasing prayers in this area. The ritual is complex, as the pilgrim must stand still under scorching sun from noon to sunset. Having passed the test, he is admitted to the common collective prayer. The next day, the man goes to another valley - Mina. Here he throws seven stones at a pillar - the symbol of Satan, takes part in the ritual of sacrifice and returns to Mecca for the last detour around the Kaaba.

Mecca and Medina

These are the main cities of pilgrimage for Muslims. According to the Koran, the Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, where he began his sacred mission - prophecy. As already mentioned, in this city is the Kaaba - a ritual stone, which attracts hundreds of thousands of Muslims every year. The boulder is located in the courtyard of the Grand Mosque - one of the main Islamic minarets. Religious doctrine says: every believer should visit its territory. Usually such a journey is made in the lunar month of Zul Hijjah. Muslims believe that pilgrimage and deprivation are synonymous. Therefore, despite the presence in Mecca of many comfortable hotels, they stay in poor tent camps, set up simply on damp ground.

Medina is another important place for a person practicing Islam. Translated from Latin, its name sounds like "radiant city". Its visit is included in the obligatory program of the Hajj, since it is here that the tomb of Muhammad is located. In addition, the city became the first settlement in which Islam triumphed. The Great Mosque of the Prophet was built here, the capacity of which reaches 900 thousand people. Equipped building automatic system umbrellas to create shade, as well as modern air conditioning and escalators.

holy places of buddhism

For representatives of this ancient religion pilgrimage is a way to reach the highest bliss by breathing the sacred air in the sacred territories. By the way, they are located in Tibet, China, Buryatia, but the largest number of them are still located in India - the cradle of Buddhism. The first place in terms of general attendance is the Bodhi tree, under which, according to legend, the Buddha liked to meditate. It was in the shadow of the green space that he reached the greatest Nirvana. The second important reminder is the city of Kapilavastu: Buddha spent his childhood there, learned all aspects of the unattractive existence of man. And he made a decision: to renounce civilization for the sake of comprehending the ways of salvation and sacred truth.

A Buddhist pilgrimage to holy places is not complete without a visit to the Royal Palace near Patna. On a nearby hill, the Buddha told his followers about his teachings. Luxurious mansions are literally surrounded by sights. Considering them, do not forget about the last place on the list, but not least, the place - Sarnath. Here the Buddha gave his first sermon. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Varanasi to feel the sacred words of the saint through the centuries, filled with eternal wisdom and deep life meaning.