Page 20 - Holyland Magazine - 2023 Edition

on their migration between Europe and Africa. against it” (Matt. 16:13–20). Yawning from In His Footsteps
Meanwhile, along the “floating bridge” over the the stark cliff at Banias is a cave known as The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has
wetland, you will see through your ranger’s the “gates of hell,” where pagans worshipped prepared two special trails where you can
eyes why Ezekiel, Zachariah, Jeremiah, Job, Pan. A Byzantine church recently discovered "arise and walk the land" (Gen. 13:17)—and
and Psalms use “marshes and swamps” as a here is an opportunity to explore the early roots follow in Jesus' footsteps at the same time.
potent symbol. of Christianity at this site, both beautiful and One is the “Korazim–Capernaum Trail,” a
meaningful. 2–3-hour walk down the same mountainside
Meet the Excavator Jesus and his followers must have trekked
Experts who have unearthed evidence of Digging Through Time between these villages. The other is "Mary's
the grand sweep of scriptural events, as well Walls, mosaics, coins, vessels, jewelry – there’s Route" at Sepphoris, from the ruins of the
as the minutiae of ancient daily life, will be no telling what your spade will turn over as you town where Mary’s parents lived, down to
your guides in this program, enriching your dig with an archaeologist in two national parks the Byzantine church built on the traditional
knowledge of biblical stories in the places with special meaning for Christians—Korazim site of Mary’s birth. At the end of the walk,
where they happened. and Kursi. those who wish can end their time with
prayer and communion at the site.
Caesarea National Park Korazim National Park
Caesarea, built by Herod the Great, was the Korazim (Chorazin), one of the three cities of All of these unforgettable experiences can be
seat of Roman power, with its port one of the whose fate Jesus warned (Matt. 11:20) was tailored to your group's age range, interests,
most important in the Mediterranean. The felled by an earthquake in the fourth century and physical effort. Looking forward to
Apostle Paul appeared here before Herod CE. Buried in the rubble are Late Roman seeing you!
Agrippa (Acts 26) and here, Peter converted homes, courtyards, and an early synagogue
the Roman centurion Cornelius and visited that has been restored. Secrets of the past will
Phillip the evangelist. As you tour Caesarea, come to light as you help unearth an ancient
your INPA expert will show you evidence of the mansion.
impact of Roman culture on the first Judeo-
Christians, and early Christianity. Kursi National Park
The story of the discovery and reconstruction
Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve of the Byzantine church near the site of Jesus’
Of the many names of this site, the best known “miracle of the swine” will have archaeology
to pilgrims is Caesarea Philippi – where Jesus buffs itching to grab a spade. When you do,
told Peter “on this rock, I will build my church you’ll be excavating the monastery complex
and even the gates of hell will not prevail alongside the church. Mary's Route in Zippori National Park. Photo: Manu
Grinspan

Hikers in Bet She'an National Park.
Photo: Yaniv Cohen

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