PhD, Violeta Cvetkovska Ocokoljic
Faculty for Culture and Media Megatrend University
PhD, dr Tatjana Cvetkovski
Faculty for Business Studies Megatrend University
Novi Beograd

PILGRIMAGE OF EARLY CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND: PARALLELS WITH CONTEMPORARY PILGRIM

Abstract

This paper deals with the exploration of early Christian pilgrimage in period from the 4th till the 6th century. This period is particularly interesting because it gives us insight into the way in which Christianity was shaped, from the moment when it was proclaimed for the state religion. The research provides insight in acceptance of many other religions elements, particularly between people, throughout the material traces (text and objects). The healing (physical or spiritual) was the main theme of early pilgrimages. The aim of this paper is to show the relationship between believers from 4th to the 6th century and contemporary believers and to determine similarity between them through some pilgrimage elements such are icons, symbolical religious objects, sacred oil, relics, shrines ans martyrdoms.

Key words: early Christian pilgrimage, iconography, healing, miracle.