AS the Easter celebrations draw near, some Ghanaian Christians have embarked upon a sacred journey to Israel, visiting Holy sites and praying for blessings for themselves and their loved ones.
The Ghanaian pilgrims comprising of individuals from diverse backgrounds include medical practitioners, journalists, entrepreneurs, politicians, and church leaders, joined other Christians across the globe for the religious ritual.
Each year, Israel receives more than two million Christian pilgrims from across the globe.
The pilgrimage, an annual tradition for many, involves visiting biblical sites such as Mount Tabor which is believed to be the place of transfiguration of Jesus Christ, River Jordan, Nazareth, sea of Galilea, mount of Beatitudes, the Cana Church, and lower Galilee.
Jerusalem is another crucial stop where participants explore iconic landmarks and trace the footsteps of biblical figures.
One of the focal points of the pilgrimage is Capernaum, a town on the shores of the Sea of Galilee associated with several miracles performed by Jesus Christ.
It is seen as an opportunity for people, not only to connect with the roots of Christianity but also to seek spiritual enlightenment and renewal, especially as Easter celebrations draw closer.
Tour guides at the various holy sites shared insights with the Ghanaian Times highlighting the dedication and excitement exhibited by the pilgrims.
A tour guide, Mr Liviu Lieverman, said “I am also very excited to receive people from all over the world here in Israel and guide them through the historic places.”
He mentioned that during the months of February and March, Christians troop in for pilgrims “and I am excited to take them round all the time.”
Some pilgrims who spoke with the Ghanaian Times underscored the relevance of such experiences.
A retired educationist and resident of Accra, Mrs Elizabeth Amankwa, said her inaugural visit to Israel had deepened her understanding of Biblical history.
Reverend Yaw Anokye Barfour of the Methodist Church of Ghana, in charge of Ghana Methodist Students Union, sharing his experience at the Mountain of Transfiguration stated that his encounter on the mountain was a pleasant one and encouraged Christians to take pilgrimages seriously in order to deepen their understanding of the religion.
According to him, having good understanding of the teachings in the Bible and seeing evidence of the life of Jesus Christ in Israel undoubtedly helped promote holiness.
Holiness, he said, promoted peaceful coexistence, “which is very necessary in every jurisdiction.”
Explaining the significance of Easter for Christians, head pastor of the Gift of God Pentecostal Ministry, Reverened James Padi, urged Christians to prioritise prayer, scripture study, and fellowship as essential components of their spiritual growth.
FROM RAISSA SAMBOU, JERUSALEM, ISRAEL
