Aberdeen's long association with Christianity in Scotland and Europe, and its historic connection with the Episcopal Church in America, makes St Andrew's Cathedral an obvious focus for Christian pilgrimage. The Cathedral's Pilgrimage Project offers help and guidance in devising journeys that enable those who undertake them to discover and deepen a spiritual aspect to what otherwise would just be tourism. A simple pilgrimage is currently available that takes in the focal points of Episcopal history in Aberdeen city. Eventually the Project will identify several pilgrimages of varying length that can be modified and adapted to suit the specific needs of groups and individuals.
VISITING ST ANDREWS, ABERDEEN Situated on King Street close to the Castlegate, and one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings in Aberdeen city centre, St Andrew's is well worth a visit, CLOSED TEMPORARILY.
PILGRIM PATH I -- Episcopal Aberdeen This guided pilgrimage begins in St Andrew's Cathedral and then proceeds to its first stop at St John's Episcopal Church, Crown Terrace. A short walk from there takes pilgrims to the ancient Town Kirk of St Nicholas with a pause in its historic Reformation interior. This is followed by a visit to Marischal College, an outstanding architectural work in granite, where the plaque that commemorates the consecration of Samuel Seabury as the first Episcopal Bishop in post-revolutionary America is located. Returning to St Andrew's Cathedral, pilgrims are given a guided tour of the building, concluding with prayers.
Pilgrim Path I takes approximately an hour to complete. During summer opening, a guide from the Cathedral is available to accompany groups. To book call 01224 640 119 or email isaac.poobalan@standrewsaberdeen.org
Who would true valour see, Let him come hither. One here will constant be, Come wind, come weather There’s no discouragement Shall make him once relent His first avowed intent To be a pilgrim.