The Archbishop of Canterbury has described her pilgrimage to Nazareth as “deeply moving”.
Most Rev Sarah Mullally, who was installed in the role on the Feast of the Annunciation, prayed at the Grotto of the Annunciation on Monday. The site is believed to be where Archangel Gabriel first appeared to the Virgin Mary to tell her she would bear the Son of God.
It was after Archbishop Sarah toured the Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation with Franciscan brothers, having met ecumenical clergy in Nazareth and Galilee for lunch. She also met Greek Orthodox clerics at St Mary’s Well.
Hosted by Father Nael Abu Rahmoun, vicar of Christ Church Nazareth, Archbishop Sarah joined pupils in songs at Christ Anglican School. Founded in 1851, it is the largest school owned and operated by the Episcopal (Anglican) Diocese of Jerusalem. Serving both Christian and Muslim students, the diocese aims to provide a space for dialogue and co-existence.
The day concluded with a time of prayer and reflection at Christ Anglican Church with Father Nael, local clergy and parishioners.
Archbishop Sarah said: “It was deeply moving to visit Nazareth, the place where Mary received the news that she would carry Jesus into the world.
“Today has reminded me that each of us is given the gift of the Gospel to carry into the world. And like Mary, we can trust in the promises of God - that he will give us the courage and confidence to say yes to his plan for our lives.
“Nazareth is the town where Jesus spent his early life, and where later he would bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for captives, give sight to the blind and release the oppressed.
"I’m grateful to the Christians of Nazareth for their welcome and hospitality - and for their faith in these promises of Jesus Christ. With them, let us renew our vocation to receive the Gospel with confidence and bear witness to Christ in the world”, she added.
Archbishop Sarah is on a five-day pastoral visit to the Holy Land, where she told residents in the Christian town of Birzeit she would use her position to seek “the peace you desire and the freedom you deserve”.