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Oberammergau in 2020

2020 Passion Play in Oberammergau

The quaint village of Oberammergau in Bavaria (now in Germany) is world famous for its spectacular Passion Play, performed by the locals just once a decade. In 1634 the Black Death decimated Europe’s population. Oberammergau remained untouched until a homesick villager returned one night, unknowingly bringing with him the dreaded plague. Almost 100 villagers died as a result.

Frightened survivors vowed that if God saved them from the plague, once every 10 years they would reenact the agony and crucifixion of Christ. From then on there were no further deaths from the plague—and the villagers have fulfilled their pledge ever since.
 

Call travel agent for details (1-800-924-4300) or send email.

 

About Oberammergau in 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The play portrays the Passion of Christ—from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. Performances are held in the afternoon and evening with an included dinner break in between. The play usually consists of more than 2,000 actors, singers, musicians, and technicians with rehearsals starting at least a year before the event.

The Passion Play Theater has an open-air stage framed by magnificent alpine scenery. A covered auditorium has almost 5,000 seats. Oberammergau is a humble village wrapped year-round in the atmosphere of the Passion Play. The town has a pervasive peacefulness untouched by 21st-century hubbub. Its hotels are like country inns, cozy and comfortable, reflecting the modesty of the village.
 

Here are a sampling of tour options- many more exist. Please contact us for more information,

Collette - Imperial Cities  http://www.gocollette.com/tours/europe/czech-republic/imperial-cities-with-oberammergau-passion-play

Collette - Alpine Exporer  http://www.gocollette.com/tours/europe/switzerland/alpine-explorer-glacier-express-with-oberammergau

Mayflower Tours  http://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/tours/holidays-and-special-events/europe-germany-france-austria/oberammergau-passion-play-2020

 

PLEASE NOTE: WHILE THE YEAR 2020 SEEMS A LONG TIME OFF, IT IS NOT SO FOR THOSE
SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THE PASSION PLAY TOURS. A DEPOSIT IS NEEDED BY THE END OF 2017 TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPACE, AND THERE IS A DISCOUNT FOR EARLY BOOKING.

 

CALL ANY OF OUR AGENTS TO REQUEST THE BROCHURE! 412 366-7200 / 800 924-4300

 

Mural on house in Oberammergau Germany
Mural on house in Oberammergau Germany
Soilesee Scenery - Oberammergau Germany
Soilesee Scenery - Oberammergau Germany

 

About Religious Travel:

 

 

Every aspect of your life is affected, enriched, and motivated by your faith. That’s why Globus brings you the best in faith-based travel. With 80 years of travel experience, we help combine your next vacation experience with the opportunity to grow and deepen your faith.

Experience your faith first-hand with Globus when you stand in the very site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus or visit the location of the early churches in Turkey. Retracing the missionary journey of the Apostle Paul can bring you a step closer to understanding his powerful life. By discovering the Vatican and the church’s rich history across Europe, you will learn more about your spiritual heritage. Learning about the lives of the most beloved and influential Christians up-close and personal is yet another magnificent way to deepen your faith through travel with Globus. Religious travel enables you to see places of historical interest while experiencing the local culture and cuisine. Learn more about the cities and places you can see on a Lands of Bible Globus vacation below:

Ancient Philippi
Ancient Philippi is the first European city in which Apostle Paul arrived to spread the Christian Gospel. According to Scripture, it is also here where Lydia, the first Christian of Europe, was baptized. As a result of this and their teachings, Apostle Paul and Silas were threatened, arrested, and beaten. While in jail, Scripture speaks of an earthquake occurring which freed Paul from prison. Paul subsequently baptized the jailer and his family. In future years Paul returned several more times to Philippi.

Athens
In Christianity, Athens is probably best known for being the place where Apostle Paul delivered the sermon about the "Unknown God" (Acts 17:22). Scripture speaks about Apostle Paul seeing an inscription in Athens about the "Unknown God," and as such, he subsequently addressed the local people at the Areopagos and described to them the identity of this "Unknown God." Today visitors can visit the very site where Apostle Paul delivered this sermon. Key sites to visit include the Areopagus and Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul preached (Acts 17: 16-34) to the City Council.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan
In addition to visiting Mt. Sinai, the most cherished place of pilgrimage on the Globus Journey through the Bible itinerary is Bethany Beyond the Jordan - the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus (John 1:28). Located next to the River Jordan and near the border of Israel, Bethany Beyond the Jordan is also the place where John the Baptist is said to have preached and lived in the wilderness. Another significance of the site is that according to tradition, this is the site where the Prophet Elijah ascended into heaven (2 Kings 2:5-14). This area is referred to as Tell Mar Elias, or "St. Elijah's Hill." Visitors can descend into the waters of the River Jordan; many people choose to be baptized here or renew their baptismal promises. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is part of what is today's called the Baptism Archaeological Park, which includes a visitor center and seventeen Christian sites.

Cairo
Religious tourism as we know it today, actually has its roots in Cairo. Here, some three to four thousand years ago, the Egyptians would hold religious festivals which brought an influx of visitors from outside the city center. Today, Cairo still remains home to several prominent religious sites. The "Hanging Church" is the most famous Coptic Christian church in Cairo, while St. Sergius Church is renowned for being the place where according to tradition the Virgin Mary and Child took refuge during their flight to Egypt. Two flights of stairs lead down from the side chapels into the oldest part of the church, the fifth century Crypt. Nearby is the altar in the form of an Early Christian tomb recess, which is said to be the spot where Mary resided with the baby Jesus.

Corinth
Corinth, which is located to the west of Athens, played a prominent role in the New Testament and journeys of Apostle Paul. It is this city which Apostle Paul visited in AD 51 or 52, and spend eighteen months there in residence. He met Aquila and Priscilla and together with them ministered to the local people. In later years Apostle Paul wrote several letters to the people of Corinth; these letters are identified in the Bible as the Epistles to the Corinthinians. In his writings to the Corinthinians, Apostle Paul spoke about the challenges and joys of the Christian life, while also expounding on the teachings.

The Dead Sea
Almost anyone familiar with the Bible is familiar with the Dead Sea. Geographically speaking, the Dead Sea is one of the most unique places in the world, as it sits well below sea level. The Dead Sea which borders modern-day Jordan and Israel played a prominent role throughout biblical history. The body of water is referenced numerous times in Scripture under various names such as the Salt Sea. The Dead Sea is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (Bela). Today's visitor can not only view the spectacular scenery of the Dead Sea, but also float on it. The Dead Sea serves as a wonderful resort place.

Ephesus
Ephesus played a very key role in the New Testament and in the early days of Christianity. It is here where Paul preached on several occasions and he used the city as a "base." The Roman theatre is where he addressed the local people, and it is this community to which he wrote several letters or epistles. Ephesus is also known for being the site of the Third Ecumenical Council (431 A.D.), a general assembly in which Christian beliefs were affirmed and heresies exposed. Ephesus is also the place where according to tradition the Virgin Mary spent her last days, and where Apostle John is buried. Ephesus was also one of the seven cities spoken about in the Book of Revelation.

Istanbul (formerly Constantinople)
Istanbul is one of the most recognizable cities in the world, and one of the most prominent cities in Christian and Islamic history. Formerly known as Constantinople, this city served as the "center of the Roman Empire" from 330-395 and as the seat of the Byzantine Empire from 395-1453. It later served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1453-1923. The city has played a key role throughout world history due to its location of serving as the "physical crossroads" between the West and East. One of the most famous buildings in modern-day Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom). Once a prominent Christian church, it was later converted into a mosque, and then again in 1935 into a museum. Some label it one of the great Wonders of the World.

Iznik (formerly Nicea)
Modern-day Iznik is located just east of Istanbul. Formerly known as Nicea, this city will forever be written in the annals of Christianity as it was the site of two pivotal Ecumenical councils (Ecumenical Councils were essentially formal gatherings of Christian leaders to address key issues facing the church). The most famous is the First Council of Nicea, which took place in 325 during the reign of Constantine. It was at this Council that today's Nicene Creed was written and adopted. It was also this Council which condemned the Arian heresy. In 787, the Second Council of Nicea took place and the topic of iconography was addressed.

Mt. Nebo
In addition to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the other most famous place of pilgrimage in Jordan is Mt. Nebo - the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land from (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). Today, Mt. Nebo features a memorial marking the prophet's burial site, as well as a sixth-century basilica. Religious services are often held in the church. For the visitor, Mt. Nebo offers not only breathtaking views of Israel and the "Promised Land," but also a very peaceful, revered, and reflective setting. A prominent serpent monument rises from the top of Mt. Nebo, signifying the Biblical passage where God instructs Moses to raise a bronze serpent on a pole and all who look upon it would protected from the plague. Mt. Nebo has been a place of pilgrimage for Jews and Christian since the fourth century.

Mt. Sinai
One of the most famous places in the Bible is Mt. Sinai, the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Biblical Mt. Sinai is considered to be located in the southern section of the Sinai Peninsula, just north of the Red Sea Resort of Sharm el Sheikh. Mt. Sinai goes by many names including Biblical Mount Horeb, Jabal Musa ("Mount Moses"), and Mount Musa. At the base of Mt. Sinai is the (Greek Orthodox) Monastery of St. Catherine, which houses some of the world's most treasured icons and ancient manuscripts - only the Vatican is said to possess a larger collection of illuminated manuscripts. Visitors can see not only the reputed site of the Burning Bush (where God appeared to Moses via the Burning Bush), but can also walk to the summit of Mt. Sinai. The monastery chapel is said to contain the rock from which God made the Ten Commandments. St. Catherine's remains one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world.

Patmos Island
The most prominent geographical site in the Book of Revelation is Patmos Island, the place from which Apostle John wrote the last book of the Bible. Visitors can actually walk in the cave where according to tradition the Evangelist slept and wrote. The desk from which he wrote, as well as the "rock pillow" upon which he rested his head for sleep, can both be seen. This place of pilgrimage is called the Cave of the Apocalypse. The Apostle John had been exiled to Patmos Island, which is why he wrote from here. At the top of Patmos Island is the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. John.

The Plains of Moab
By traveling throughout the country of Jordan, one travels through the Plains of Moab which stretch from the Jordan Valley east of the Jordan River, along the northeast Dead Sea Plain opposite Jericho. The Plains of Moab figure prominently throughout the Old Testament, including serving as the site where Moses and the Israelites arrived after their Exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness.

Seven Churches of Revelation
The "Seven Churches of Revelation" are the seven communities that the Evangelist John addresses and writes about in the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. As John states in this letter, he writes from Patmos Island where he is exiled. In addressing the seven churches or communities, Apostle John sometimes admonishes, warns, or complements them. All seven churches are located in modern-day western Turkey. Patmos Island is located in modern-day Greece. In Revelation 1:11, Apostle John writes that he is instructed by God to write letters to each of these communities. The Seven Churches, their related messages, and Biblical chapters/verses from the Book of Revelation include:

- Smyrna (modern-day Izmir): (Revelation 2:8-11) The church of martyrdom, persecution, and poverty.
- Sardis (modern-day Sart): (Revelation 3:1-6) The church that had fallen asleep; the "dead" church.
  Few not defiled. The Reformation.
- Philadelphia (modern-day Alasehir): Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) The church that had endured
  patiently; Church of brotherly love.
- Ephesus: (Revelation 2:1-7) The church that had forsaken its first love; Apostolic, desirable.
- Pergamum (modern-day Bergama): (Revelation 2:12-17) The church that needed to repent;
  Married to the world. The world infiltrated the church. Mixed doctrines.
- Thyathira (modern-day Akhisar): (Revelation 2:18-29) The church who had a false prophetess;
  continual sacrifice. Ungodly doctrines mixed in.
- Laodecia: Revelation 3:14-22) The church with the lukewarm faith; church of lukewarmness-spewed out.

Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, and is another city that played a prominent role in the New Testament. During his second missionary journey (49-50 AD), it is here where Apostle Paul founded a church. After his departure he later wrote two letters to the community here. Thessaloniki is also known for being the place where Apostle Paul and his companion Silas were almost attacked by the local people for betraying Caesar. Despite the trials of his time here, Apostle Paul spoke with great love and concern for the people of Thessaloniki in his epistles.

Um Quais
Although not very well known, Um Quais is home to one of the miracles of Jesus - the miracle of the Gadarene swine. Here, Jesus expelled the evil spirits of out of two men into a herd of swine who subsequently hurled themselves into the Sea of Galilee and drowned. Today, the ruins of a fourth century basilica built at the reputed site of the miracle remain.


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