EGYPT: July 1, 2007
On the Way to Mount Sinai, the Young Pilgrims of the Russian Church Abroad Visit Historic Sites of Egypt (Photo-report)

On Thursday, June 28, the young participants of the pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of Moses” traveled on the Nile River to northern Egypt, from where they soon headed for Mount Sinai. On the cruise ship, His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland held discussions with the pilgrims on Holy Scripture, the history of the Church and St John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Francisco, for whom His Grace served as cell-attendant in the 1960's. Choir rehearsals were also held on the vessel under the direction of Michael Gill, Director of the Cathedral Choir of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Chicago. God willing, the youth choir will sing during divine services they attend on their pilgrimage. On the eve of the feast day of St John, Bishop Peter performed a moleben before the saint's icon.

On their trip through northern Egypt, the pilgrims visited historic sites and attractions of the country. The pilgrims will then proceed through the Eastern desert, home to the podvigi of St Anthony the Great, St Paul the Hermit and many other spiritual laborers. The pilgrimage will make a stop on Mount Sinai, where Bishop Peter will perform Divine Liturgy, at which all the pilgrims will partake of the Holy Gifts. From there, the pilgrimage will continue to the Holy Land.