Our prayers are with our Connecticut pilgrims in the Holy Land

February 28th Update from Jerusalem

28 February 2026; 3:30 a.m. EST

Dear Beloved in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut,

As you may have already seen, Israel and the United States launched a preemptive strike on Iran several hours ago. Our group of pilgrims was in Bethlehem when the alarm sounded, and we have returned to St. George’s in Jerusalem where we are safe and secure, sheltering in place. Israeli airspace is currently closed and we are exploring our options to return home as quickly as possible.

One of goals of this pilgrimage was to stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land who regularly live with the threats of violence and insecurity. In this tense moment, we are proud to do just that— praying together as followers of the Prince of Peace for the peace of Jerusalem, and from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Please join us in those prayers for peace, and for our safe return.

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

With our love and prayers,

Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello and the Rev. Ryan C. Fleenor, Pilgrimage Leaders

A pre-departure note about the pilgrimage from the Rev. Ryan

Tomorrow, I leave for a 12-day pilgrimage in the Holy Land with Bishop Jeff and a small group of Episcopalians from across Connecticut. Like countless pilgrims before us, we will visit the sites made holy by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We will drink from Mary’s well in Nazareth and kneel in the grotto at Bethlehem. We will renew our baptismal vows at the Jordan, break bread at sunrise in the Judean desert, and venture out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. We’ll stand on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and walk the Way of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We’ll sing, and pray, and reflect on Scripture together. I’m so excited to be going back, especially in these first days of Lent, and I hope that you too can make a pilgrimage like this one at some point. It really is a life-changing experience.

But as important as the holy sites are, that’s not our only—or even primary—reason for visiting at this volatile time. This won’t be a pilgrimage like the ones I’ve taken in years past. It will be our first visit since the horrific October 7th attacks and the devastating war in Gaza. It will be our first visit since Saint Luke’s named the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem as our newest Outreach partner. And with talk of further annexation of the West Bank, and tensions with Iran running high, we know that our sisters and brothers in Christ are living with a great deal of uncertainty and fear.

This is precisely why it is important to go. The sites are important, but so are those “living stones” who call the Holy Land home. We are going to express our solidarity with, and support for them. We are going to visit the schools and hospitals and clinics that continue to do incredible work, embodying the hope of the Gospel. We are going to remind them that they aren’t alone, they haven’t been forgotten.

I look forward to sharing what we see and what we learn. Please pray for us as we travel, and for our siblings in Christ who will welcome us. And as the Psalmist sang so many centuries ago, please continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may there be peace within her walls (Psalm 122:6, 7).

With my love and prayers,

Ryan