Dean’s Message
Nothing changes for ages despite all of our prayers and then all of a sudden, the situation begins to change quickly. But is it enough and is it sufficiently swift too?
We have endured two years of a brutal war with tens of thousands killed in Gaza, a land utterly decimated, and also more death and destruction in Israel than they have known in their short modern history. Prisoners were taken on both sides and some of those were killed. History will decide what caused the change of direction, but the change came. Troops pulled back, bombs stopped falling and prisoners were released back to their distraught families in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
Peace on earth? Not quite. Peace in the Middle East? Not yet. Politicians love headline-grabbing quotes and they are also inclined to overstate their own achievements, hugely. But on the ground, we know better. We are so relieved at the ceasefire and there is joy at families reunited. But Gaza is still a wasteland, virtually uninhabitable. Hospitals still cannot do vital life-saving operations. Food and water are in severely short supply. There is so much to do just to make life tolerable. And the wider peace deal that will change decades of injustice and oppression remains a long way off. It’s a very long way. But momentum is important and if this opportunity can be taken to press forward to the important resolutions that can bring the longed-for solution to so much pain and misery, then we must and will give thanks for that.
In the short term, it may well mean that travel to Israel/Palestine becomes more feasible and attractive. If the present tentative peace holds then it will be possible to book the pilgrimages and make travel plans which we and countless others who are dependent on the pilgrim and tourist industry have been desperate for. We invite our valued friends and supporters, to begin to think about this in concrete terms as soon as possible. Our schedule for 2026 is published and please give these your prayerful consideration. 2027 study pilgrimages will be published soon.
Pilgrimage will be different after this terrible war. There will be a stronger element of solidarity than previously and the encounter with the peoples of the land will be more central than before, although that is always important to St George’s College. The most helpful things that those who love and care for the Land of the Holy One can do now is to consider their travel plans for the next year or two.
And let us continue to pray that positive steps forward can develop from those already taken. We seek and follow the lead of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the St George’s College website.
A pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a transformative experience but the ways in which pilgrims engage with the Land and its people is absolutely key. Our long history of organizing study pilgrimages and our deep roots in Israel/Palestine means that St George’s College is an excellent choice for your pilgrimage.
We offer a varied range of study pilgrimages with different themes. In order to choose the one that suits you best look for length of course at the time of year which most appeals to you. The Palestine of Jesus, the Footsteps of Jesus and Introduction to Biblelands differ only in length, while other courses have a specific theme such as Sharing Perspectives (Interfaith) and Women of the Bible. All courses are framed as a pilgrimage so visits to holy and historical sites look at the biblical context and lead pilgrims into prayer. At most sites there is some time for individual reflection.
A US $500 deposit books your place. Although this is non refundable if you decide to cancel you can transfer the deposit to another course at a convenient time. Further information on all the pilgrimages can be found here.
“Pilgrimage is partly a process of self-reflection in which the pilgrim considers their own life, their commitments, their identity and their relationship with God. It is transformative.” Rev Dr Rodney Aist
Welcome to the website for St George's College, Jerusalem.
St George’s is the Anglican Centre for pilgrimage in the Holy Land. We have many years of experience running pilgrimages and our staff team offer high quality teaching along with spiritual and practical care. By booking a pilgrimage with us you are connecting with and investing in the ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, part of the local Christian community.
Our study pilgrimages are rooted in the present-day realities of the context of Israel/Palestine, so your pilgrimage experience will be uplifting and inspiring spiritually, theologically and historically educational and also informative about the current issues of these lands.
The College is situated just ten minutes walk from Damascus Gate in the heart of the holy city of Jerusalem. It is a beautiful and peaceful location for short-term pilgrimages, interfaith conversations and Christian fellowship. Our courses weave together time at sacred sites all over the Holy Lands. You can enjoy daily worship in the Anglican Cathedral next to the College and in local churches. People from all over the world join our programmes as they walk together in the footsteps of Jesus. I am pleased to invite you to experience this for yourself and if you have been before to sign up to a follow-up course.
You are welcome to the community of St George’s College. Your faith will be deepened and your life enriched by the experiences you will enjoy in and through the College.
The Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell, Dean