Pilgrimage to Turkey

Turkey is a country of rich history and culture that attracts pilgrims of several religions. Uniquely situated between Europe and Asia, the land of Turkey has been influenced by a variety of cultures and religions as it is has grown. In early Christian history, it was the land of many saints and small worshipping communities. Today it is a country that struggles to be secular while recognizing its predominant Islamic culture. These two features of its religious life make it a frequent site for Christian pilgrims seeking to learn more about Christian history as well as learn more about Islam.

St. Mark’s is hosting an intergenerational pilgrimage to Turkey leaving December 26, 2008 and returning to Minneapolis January 5, 2009. The trip will be lead by Canon Cara Spaccarelli (youth coordinator) and CRI Director Paul Strickland (adult coordinator). Participation will be on a first-come first-served basis. Pilgrims from any church in the Diocese of Minnesota are welcome. Pilgrimage sites will include Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Hagia Sophia Church, Topkapi Palace, Chora Church, the Virgin Mary’s house, the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque and other sites of interest. Ample time will be provided to explore some of the most ancient bazaars and markets in the world. Please visit www. goreme.com/turkey2008.php for a detailed itinerary of the trip. Hotels (3 star or better) are not posted at this point, because the travel agent needs a firm number of travelers and a deposit to book rooms. Trip costs will be in the $2300-$2500 range which is dependent on the number of travelers. This amount includes international and domestic flights, hotels, most meals, entrance fees, tips, and tour guide. Travelers with flight miles are certainly free to use them where applicable, but that is the responsibility of the individual traveler.

Dates to Observe:

Today: Indicate your interest by immediately contacting Paul Strickland: PaulS@ourcathedral.org or 612-870-7800.

May 15: $500 nonrefundable deposit is due along with a copy of the signature page of your valid, up-to-date passport. You can not be listed as a participant without these two items.

September 1: Additional $1000 due.

November 1: Remaining cost of the trip is due.

The purpose of a pilgrimage is to listen and learn from the inner teacher. Through sacred travel we can find the path to the divine, the ultimate source of life. Pilgrims learn how to be alone together to support one another on a solitary journey. Pilgrimage can help us to understand that the more each of us is aware of God’s presence, the richer and more meaningful daily life becomes. On a pilgrimage, we meet and form friendships with fellow travelers who but for the going on pilgrimage, we may have never known except as passing acquaintances.

We look forward to your participation in this grand adventure.