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Walking for the Lord

By Tonia Rose, staff writer

May 27, 2009 — He doesn’t carry money or food – just simply water and a tent.

Folks traveling along U.S. 60 Monday might have wondered who he is and why he was wearing peculiar clothing in the sweltering temperatures.

George Walters, known to most as Pilgrim George, has begun his 2009 May through August pilgrimage from Pennsylvania to Alabama.

The humble 69-year-old looks like Moses and certainly dresses like Moses. He is a man of God who sports a long patchwork robe made of white denim and sandals made of tire tread, held together by bolts and wire.

Along his journey Monday, George was spotted trekking very slowly up Cribs Hill in Carter County. While heading toward Sandy Hook, he stopped for a few minutes to talk about his mission that began 39 years ago and about his family.

“There is the body of the church and I am the feet,” he commented while standing alongside U.S. 60. “I am here to lift up Jesus. Those who must leave their family for the sake of the kingdom will get a larger family, the body of believers. My family is the family of God.”

Held tightly in his hand, a uniquely carved staff that George said was cut by the cave of the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel in Israel.

“This staff has been placed on all holy places -– Nazareth, Bethlehem and Calvary,” he described while holding the staff high.

Strapped around his neck were several white denim pouches and bags weighing over 40 pounds. Inside those bags, his necessities – a Bible, blanket, a few other small items and needles and thread for on-the-road repairs.

George left Butler, Pennsylvania May 4 and plans to reach Hanceville, Alabama, June 27.

“My first pilgrimage was in 1970 when I walked from Barcelona Spain to Jerusalem,” he said. “I’ve been in 41 countries and walked over 39,000 miles. I am a disciple for Jesus.”

Although George is without food and money, he never fears starvation or safety.

“Only God knows where I will lay down my head each night,” he said. “As for food, I am fed daily. Folks along the way take care of me. God makes sure I receive nourishment. This morning I was treated to Dairy Queen by Pastor Clell Lucas.”

While walking four months out of the year, George admits to being a hermit the other eight months. “The last three years I’ve stayed at a monastery in Pennsylvania,” he said. “The people there gave me a house to live in and that’s where I hermit myself until time for the next year’s pilgrimage.”

However, George does enjoy a bit of modern technology, while reading his e-mails at libraries along his journey.

His yearly pilgrimage will end Aug. 29 at Mount St. Marcina in Pennsylvania. It’s a place where thousands of Byzantine Catholics from across America have gathered over the past 74 years for a Labor Day weekend of prayer, teachings, fellowship and food.

For those intrigued enough to stop and say hello to George, don’t be surprised by a firm, friendly handshake – and possibly a blessing. To read more about Pilgrim George’s journey visit www.421kolorae.bravejournal.com.

Going:

May 24 – Huntsville, W.Va.

June 7 – Williamsburg, Ky.

June 21 – Winchester, Tenn.

June 26 – Cullman, Ala. (Ave Maria Grotto)

June 27 – Hanceville. Ala. (Our Lady of Angels Monastery)

Return:

July 12 – Dayton, Tenn.

July 19 – Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Aug. 2 – Spencer, W.Va

Aug. 15 Spencer, W.Va.

Aug. 29 – Uniontown, Penn. (Mount Saint Macrina)

Pilgrim George has begun his 2009 May through August pilgrimage from Pennsylvania to Alabama. He was spotted along U.S. 60 at Cribbs Hill in Carter County Monday and stopped in at the Grayson Journal Enquirer for lunch and to read his e-mails
photo/Tonia Rose / Journal-Times