"Philly Jesus" spreads his message around town
Michael Grant, 28, waits at a traffic light while walking on the Parkway in Philadelphia, Penn., Dec. 18, 2014.
For the last eight months, Grant has dressed as Jesus Christ, and walked the streets of Philadelphia to share the Christian gospel by example. He quickly acquired the nickname of "Philly Jesus," which he has gone by ever since.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
With the Philadelphia skyline behind him, Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," looks towards the afternoon sun, Dec. 18, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," walks the center city streets in Philadelphia, Penn., Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
After checking his social media accounts, Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," departs an Apple Store in Philadelphia, Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Using his walking staff as a makeshift hockey stick, Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," skates at Rothman Ice Rink, Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," helps a homeless man to his feet, Dec. 18, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," poses for a portrait in front of a store window featuring crucifixes with the 12 foot cross he carried eight miles through North Philadelphia to LOVE Park in Center City as part of a Christmas walk "to spread the true message of the holiday" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 20, 2014.
As many as a half dozen others joined him for numerous miles as he trekked southward down Broad Street. Some shouted "Praise Jesus!" and "Thank you for doing this!" at the sight.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Hartley, 21, visiting from England, listens to counsel by Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," prays with a homeless man, Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," poses for a portrait beside a sculpture of Santa Claus, Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," lifts a fallen Christmas decoration in the courtyard of Philadelphia City Hall, Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Leah DeTommaso, 19, Alisyn Davidson, 19, and Taylor Moran, 18, ask to take a photograph with Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," Dec. 14, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," greets a pedestrian wearing a ring with a cross in Philadelphia, Dec. 18, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Christine Tyson and JoAnne Gilley pray with Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," inside Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Dec. 18, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Jayden Hensley, 39, left, prays with Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," before he carried a 12 foot cross eight miles through North Philadelphia to LOVE Park in Center City as part of a Christmas walk to spread "the true message of the holiday" in Philadelphia, Penn., Dec. 20, 2014.
As many as a half dozen others joined him for numerous miles as he trekked southward down Broad Street.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," carries a 12-foot cross through this blighted area of North Philadelphia towards LOVE Park in Center City as part of a Christmas walk "to spread the true message of the holiday" in Philadelphia, Penn., Dec. 20, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
"Philly Jesus," carries a 12-foot cross past a mural depicting Noah's Ark in North Philadelphia, Dec. 20, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
While visitors pose for photographs with a Santa Claus dinosaur, Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," walks through the Christmas Village in LOVE Park towards the nativity scene after carrying this 12-foot cross eight miles to Center City as part of a Christmas walk, Dec. 20, 2014.
Michael Grant spreads Jesus's story in Philadelphia
Upon reaching LOVE Park in Center City, Michael Grant, 28, "Philly Jesus," lifts the 12-foot cross he had carried eight miles through North Philadelphia as part of a Christmas walk "to spread the true message of the holiday" in Philadelphia, Penn., Dec. 20, 2014.
As many as a half dozen others joined him for numerous miles as he trekked southward down Broad Street. Some shouted "Praise Jesus!" and "Thank you for doing this!" at the sight.