On the Church calendar June 24 marks the Nativity of John the Baptist.He was born right here, in the Hills of Judea (aka the Jerusalem Hills), so we have many churches and monasteries with his name within easy walking distance.
You can see young John on the priest's vestments, holding and beholding the lamb.
Two years ago today I walked down to St. John in the Desert convent to see (and photograph) the special prayer service for the feast day.
Afterwards we were invited to the refectory to feast on good food and drink. To celebrate!
Visiting Spanish-speaking Franciscans clapped and sang to the music of the guitar out in the courtyard.It was a happy time, a real birthday party.
.
More about the prayer and the place in my post of last June 24.
.
Thank you for inviting us, Dina.
ReplyDeleteYou live in the Judean Hills; wow!
Aloha, Friend
Comfort Spiral
Thats so neat. It would be really cool if it was a pool party and they were serving locust and wild honey.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see all of the biblical and historical things around there.
Thanks again for sharing this fascinating part of the world.
Looks like a great party. I'm sure that you had a great time. We celebrate the day, too, in a variety of ways. Many of us call "St. John Day" our "landing day" (the day we entered the monastery). It is twelve years today that I entered.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet and wonderful-his birthday celebration in the holy land.
ReplyDeleteshalom.
love and light
Wow, what a very nice and happy birthday celebration for St. John. I'm pretty sure you really had fun there. :)
ReplyDeleteJust popping in to say Hi. Nice blog you have here. Have you tried the The Tornado Ride? Visit my page to see it. Have a fun-filled day!
a suggestive place and a beautiful birthday party.
ReplyDeleteThey look like they're having a grand time! Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Dina.
ReplyDeleteWhat fine scenes of the birthday celebration for St. John.
This looks like so much fun. What a great way to celebrate St. John's birthday.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are a wonderful tribute to life and celebration.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great post, Dina!
ReplyDelete