About us
Saint Michael is owned by Johnny AbuAita, whose family has lived in Bethlehem and Beit Sahour for generations. We welcome everyone who comes to the Holy Land to visit, to pray, to learn and to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and we send the work of our town to homes around the world.
Forty workshops
We work with forty Bethlehem families of craftsmen. Many learned their trade from their fathers, as their fathers did before them. We select every piece for the quality of its carving, painting or inlay, and we know the hands that made it.
Our name
Saint Michael the Archangel is the protector of pilgrims and a guardian of truth and honesty, and he is held to be the guardian of Bethlehem itself. We chose his name as a reminder that every pilgrim has travelled far to reach the Holy Land, and that each one carries a blessing home.
Our shop
Our shop stands on Old Caritas Street in Bethlehem. Inside is a far larger collection than we can show online: carvings of every size, icons, mother of pearl, silver and devotional gifts. If you are looking for something you cannot see here, ask us.
“May Saint Michael guard you on your journey to the Holy Land, and back to your own home.”