There spirtual odessy began with a visit to the Church of the Navitiy of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethelhem, which is the oldest Christian church in existance today. The original church was built by Czar Constantine in 329 AD and today's structure was buildt by Roman Emperor Justinian in 527AD. Father Blasko said prayers in front of the birth place of Christ and all pilgrims were annointed and blessed by Holy Oil during this ceremony. They also were able to see the manger where Jesus was laid down in swaddling clothes. Next Shepard's Field was visited, where the Angels announced the birth of Christ to the men attending to their flocks. Their spiritual journey continued to St. Sava of Jerusalem Monestary, where all the men from the group venerated St. Sava's Holy Relics. Once upon a time this monestary had 5,000 hermits and ascetics living in caves within this compound. Today 15 monks remain living in this monestary, among them Father Gregory from Hilander Serbian Monestary from Mt. Athos. The day concluded with a visit to St. Theodosius Greek Monestary, one of the founders of monestic life. The pilgrims were blessed and venerated the tombs of the mothers of St. Sava of Jerusalem, Sts. Cosmas and Damenianos, the Healers, and other mothers of known Orthodox Saints. Prayers were offered in all these places for all the faithful in our Diocese and especially for those in need and those suffering in Kosovo. The spiritual journey will continue through the Holy Land.
