Elias Michael

I work with olive wood here in Bethlehem—shaping each piece by hand, the same way my father and grandfather did. I’m part of the Catholic community at the Fatima Latin Parish in Beit Sahour, close to Shepherds’ Field. When I’m not carving, I guide visitors through the streets and sacred places of Bethlehem, helping them experience the story of this land for themselves.

Latest Articles By Elias Michael
The Birth of Jesus: History Meets the Greatest Story Ever Told
The Birth of Jesus: History Meets the Greatest Story Ever Told
"The Nativity isn’t just a story of faith - it’s rooted in real history. Discover the historical figures, places, and prophecies that confirm the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and why it still matters today.
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Shepherds Field in Beit Sahour: Where Heaven Met Earth and the Humble Heard First
Shepherds Field in Beit Sahour: Where Heaven Met Earth and the Humble Heard First
Uncover the moving history of Shepherds Field in Beit Sahour — where angels first announced Christ’s birth — and how it lives on today through faith, tradition, and gifts from the Holy Land.
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The Church of the Nativity: A Living Testament to Faith and Time
The Church of the Nativity: A Living Testament to Faith and Time
Step inside Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity and walk through nearly 2,000 years of history, prayer, and survival. This isn’t just the story of a church—it’s the living heart of Christian tradition.
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The Forgotten Rosary: Why Most Catholics Don’t Know Its True Power
The Forgotten Rosary: Why Most Catholics Don’t Know Its True Power
Once a spiritual weapon, today the rosary is often seen as old-fashioned or just symbolic. But behind those beads lies a power too many Catholics have forgotten. This post dives into the history, miracles, and promises of the rosary — and why it’s time to bring it back, truly.
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When Pilgrimage Becomes Prayer: What Visiting the Holy Land Did to My Faith
When Pilgrimage Becomes Prayer: What Visiting the Holy Land Did to My Faith
A personal journey to the Holy Land turned into something deeper — a prayer. This story reflects on how walking where Jesus walked, meeting local Christians, and witnessing the living Gospel changed everything. It’s about faith, presence, and remembering those still holding the light in Christ’s birthplace.
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The Forgotten Flock: Why Christians Are Vanishing from the Holy Land And Nobody’s Talking About It
The Forgotten Flock: Why Christians Are Vanishing from the Holy Land And Nobody’s Talking About It
Christians in the Holy Land are quietly leaving. Not because they've lost faith — but because staying has become too hard. This story gives voice to those still holding on in Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and why we, as Catholics, must not forget them. Before the churches fall silent forever.
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Rooted in Grace: The Spiritual Meaning of the Olive Tree in Scripture, Tradition, and Christian Life
Rooted in Grace: The Spiritual Meaning of the Olive Tree in Scripture, Tradition, and Christian Life
The olive tree stands as more than a biblical plant—it’s a living symbol of peace, endurance, and sacred tradition. In this heartfelt reflection, discover how Scripture, Catholic rituals, and the Holy Land’s ancient groves come together to tell a story of grace that still speaks today. From Noah’s dove to Jesus in Gethsemane, and through the hands of Christian artisans in Bethlehem.
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