A BRIEF ENCOUNTER WITH PEOPLE OF FAITH IN EGYPT

8 – 14 June 2008

Led by Revd Andrew Ashdown

Sunday 8 June 2008

Travel to Cairo

Monday 9 June 2008

A Day with the Anglican Church in Cairo

We start the day at the Anglican Cathedral, and visit the Deaf School. We meet with Bishop Mouneer, the Presiding Bishop of the Province of Jerusalem in the Middle East. And spend the latter part of the morning and early part of the afternoon visiting the Cathedral’s refugee ministry in the city. In the late afternoon, we visit the Citadel of Old Cairo, and afterwards wander through the El Khalili Bazaar.

Tuesday 10 June 2008

Interfaith encounters – Coptic and Moslem Cairo

We visit the Coptic Cathedral and the Coptic Museum and Icon Workshop, with a short walking tour in Coptic Cairo. We also hope to meet with Pope Shenouda III. In the afternoon, we shall visit the pyramids, and later in the afternoon proceed to the Al Azhar mosque, and important Moslem religious site and university in Egypt, and hopefully meet with the Grand Mufti of Egypt.

Wednesday 11 June 2008

Into the Desert – an insight into Monasticism

In the morning, we shall visit Ramadan Mosque, reputedly the oldest in Africa, and the Hanging Church, which is about 1/4 mile away, and dates back to the 4th Century. After lunch, we shall travel across the Eastern desert to the 4th Century St. Anthony’s monastery, where we spend the night. In the evening, those who wish can take the 2km climb to St. Anthony’s cave, from where there are spectacular views of the desert. Whilst at the Monastery, we hope to share in the monastic offices.

Thursday 12 June 2008

Journey into Sinai

Upon leaving St. Anthony’s monastery, we shall journey up the Red Sea to Suez, across the Suez canal, and proceed to St. Catherine’s monastery in southern Sinai (pausing on the way at Wadi Feiran). We hope to spend the night in St. Catherine’s monastery.

Friday 13 June 2008

Mt Sinai

Those who wish can rise early to climb Mt. Sinai. Upon our descent we shall visit the monastery and the world-famous ancient library. We shall then return to Cairo and the Anglican Guesthouse there. An evening meal at a Restaurant.

Saturday 14 June

Depart Cairo Return to Heathrow

TOTAL COST OF VISIT: £840 **

Cost includes:

  • Return Flights
  • Half board Accommodation
  • All Internal Travel and Entrance fees.
  • Tipping

The overall cost is as at the time of going to print. The airfare is subject to increase the later the booking is made.

No Single rooms are available on this journey. We shall be using Diocesan Guest House and Monastery Guesthouse accommodation… rooms will be shared.