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Home » Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Church of the Holy Sepulcher

The Magnificent Church Of The Holy Sepulcher In Jerusalem Israel

May 17, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

 Light Shines In The Darkness At The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher In Jerusalem Israel

What a magnificent sight to see with light shining into the dark church at the very location of the crucifixion of Jesus, The interior of the church is very poorly lite, but coming into the dome were broad rays of light. It is here that His death, burial, and resurrection took place. The church is designed and built over the crucifixion site and the place of His burial and resurrection.  The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher site has been recognized since early in the 4th century as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. It is believed that it was here that the Light pierced the darkness.

As a traveler, one can not help but notice the amazing difference in the lighting. It brings you back to that time when the light indeed pierced the darkness. If you are a traveler interested in the local history or culture of the area, or a pilgrim wanting to experience contact with the light, this is a must-see while in Jerusalem.

 “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

(KJV John 1:5)

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Inner Beauty Of The Dome

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also known among the Eastern Orthodox Believers as the Church of the Resurrection. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of several historical churches within the Christian Quarter. This is a major landmark located  inside the walled Old City of Jerusalem.  This beautiful building, can be found in the Christian sector of the Old City and is a valuable addition to your itinerary. Christian pilgrims around the world consider it one of the holiest places on earth. The building was built so as to include both Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified, and the sepulcher where He was buried and rose again from the dead. This has been a very important destination for the faithful dating clear back to the 4th century. What a marvelous site to behold, one that includes both the cross of His crucifixion and the tomb of His burial.

The dome is beautifully done with many paintings from the eighteen hundreds and some from earlier restorations. It is considered the greatest collection of twelfth-century Crusader artwork in the Middle East. It is generally considered an important destination for visitors to Israel and those who are interested in Middle Eastern art, history, and faith. The spectacular workmanship represents many different renovations. This Basilica was destroyed and rebuilt so many times throughout history. Each time it was rebuilt, some of the antiquities from the preceding church were used in the newer renovation or construction.

Another thing to remember is that it has not always been smooth sailing for this extraordinary church. “Subsequent centuries were not altogether kind to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It suffered from damage, desecration, and neglect, and attempts at repair (a significant renovation was conducted by the Franciscans in 1555) often did more damage than good. In recent times, a fire (1808) and an earthquake (1927) did extensive damage.

Not until 1959 did the three major communities (Latins, Greeks, Armenians) agree on a major renovation plan. The guiding principle was that only elements incapable of fulfilling their structural function would be replaced.

The exterior facade of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, on the east side of the church, was built by the Crusaders sometime before 1180.” (Taken from: http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-the-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre/)

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Holy Basilica Dome Showing The Nitches And Amazing Detail

This spectacular dome not only is full of artistic touches, but it acclaimed to be at the very center of the earth.

“Pilgrims and Crusaders believed the site to be the literal center of the earth, based on various biblical references.  In Crusader times the actual centre point was determined as the triporticus area, later the domed crossing of the Crusader Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  Visitors to the church can then be said to be “at the naval, or centrepoint, of the earth.” ( The Art of one of Christendom’s Holiest Sites by John Stringer)

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

Another View Of This Elaborate Dome

Notice all the carved niches and the hanging gold incense holders. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher has some of the most ornate fixtures of any basilica in the East. Pictures of saints and holy men line the walls. The lamps and ornamental additions to the dome are all solid gold. Throughout the dome and elsewhere in The Church of the Holy Sepulcher you will find some of the finest art of the Crusader era.

The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the location of the empty burial tomb of Jesus. This is considered by many to be the holiest Christian site in Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is considered to have one of the largest collections of 12th Century Art done by the Crusaders in the Middle East. Tourists, travelers, and pilgrims consider this a must see for all who show interest in historical art and faith. Much of the history of the area and warfare over the centuries, is depicted in various pieces of artwork.

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

 A Priest Administers The Sacred Incense

The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher is a continued place of meditation and prayer, day and night. Pilgrims come from the world over for the opportunity to pray and experience deep meditation at this Holy site. Priests keep a thick smoke from the incense coming from the altar day and night. This is one of the holiest  sites for so many pilgrims the world over.

The use of incense dates back to the time of the second temple and the Jewish use of incense. It is thought by many that it represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven.  Incense is also used in rites of purification within the Catholic, Eastern, and Orthodox Churches.

Taking a walk through this Basilica requires careful movement among the many pilgrims. At many times of the year, the pilgrims are almost wall to wall. As you near the altar, the thick incense drifts through the air from the gentle movement of the incense vessels by the priest. The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher is one of the most amazing experiences in the Old City of Jerusalem.  The old city is also referred to as the walled city, because of the walls which surrounded this ancient city.

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

 Climbing The Steps To Calvary

Once this was a hill you climbed, but now it is a protected site. As you climb the stone steps that lead to the top where Jesus was crucified, you can not help but be in a somber mood. Crucifixion was a brutal way to die. According to accounts in all the Gospels of the New Testament, Jesus was brought to the “Place of the Skull” to die by Crucifixion. He was crucified between two thieves, criminals, but his only charge was claiming to be the “King of the Jews.”

This climb up to Calvary is on the major route for Christian pilgrims of many faiths. The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher is the Holiest site in the Old City of Jerusalem. The church protects both the place of the Crucifixion and the place of the resurrection.

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

Nail Driven Through The Ankle Bone Discovered In Jerusalem From The 1st Century A.D. 

This discovery brings to the pilgrim’s mind and emotions all the horror of the crucifixion. You can not help but feel the pain and agony as you look at this nail through an ankle bone. Crucifixion was the most humiliating of all possible executions. The condemned person was made to be as vulnerable as could be, and usually, they were hung totally naked. Sometimes they could even hang for days just barely alive. This must have been one of the world’s worst form of execution.

In the Forbes Magazine, December 8th, 2015 issue, Khristina Killgrove gives a glance into the significance of this find. She writes: “The Romans practiced crucifixion – literally, “fixed to a cross” – for nearly a millennium. It was a public, painful, and slow form of execution, and used as a way to deter future crimes and humiliate the dying person. Since it was done to thousands of people and involved nails, you’d probably assume we have skeletal evidence of crucifixion.  But there’s only one, single bony example of Roman crucifixion, and even that is still heavily debated by experts.”

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Rock Of Golgotha Where Jesus Was Crucified 

The rock of Golgotha is believed to be the very place where Jesus Christ was crucified. This place is now protected as a part of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. This holy site is venerated as Golgotha, also called the Hill of Calvary, is the place where Jesus was crucified with a thief on each side. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also believed by most archaeologists as the place where Jesus was buried in the Sepulcher. According to the biblical accounts, the crucifixion site and the place of his tomb were close.

                                                    JOHN 19:41-42

“41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.

42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”

Though there is some controversy about this site, the Encyclopaedia Britannica has an interesting way of putting some of the pieces together.

“This site has been continuously recognized since the 4th century as the place where Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead. Indeed, the Rock of Calvary, where the Crucifixion is believed to have occurred, is encased in glass at the lavish Altar of the Crucifixion and is the most-visited area within the church. Whether it is the actual location, however, has been hotly debated. It cannot be determined that Christians during the first three centuries CE could or did preserve an authentic tradition as to where these events occurred. Members of the Christian church in Jerusalem fled to Pella about 66 CE, and Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 CE. Wars, destruction, and confusion during the following centuries possibly prevented preservation of exact information. Another question involves the course of the second north wall of ancient Jerusalem. Some archaeological remains on the east and south sides of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are widely interpreted to mark the course of the second wall. If so, the site of the church lay just outside the city wall in the time of Jesus, and this could be the actual place of his Crucifixion and burial. No rival site is supported by any real evidence.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica)

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Stone Of anointing

The Stone of Anointing was the stone where the body of Jesus was laid after being removed from the crucifix and it was here that his body was prepared for burial. This is another one of the holy sites at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, Israel. As was the Jewish custom of the time, he was anointed with oils and spices, then he was wrapped in shrouds. This was the common way that all bodies were prepared for burial during this time by the Jews.

“The Stone of the Anointing remains a very holy pilgrimage site for Christians today. Pilgrims queue to either kiss the stone or rub it with oil or rosewater and then wipe it with a cloth. Priests burn incense around the stone and sometimes people place their own crosses on it in order to transfer the unction or anointing.”( History of the The Stone of the Anointing is taken from the website: (https://www.thesalvationgarden.org/the-stone-of-the-anointing/.)”

“Rosewater is used to anoint the Stone of the Anointing because it is a perfume that has traditional use in a number of religions. For example, during Muslim burials rosewater is sprinkled into a grave before burial. Rosewater has in the past been used for the embalming of bodies as it has properties that are good for the skin.”( History of the The Stone of the Anointing is taken from the website: https://www.thesalvationgarden.org/the-stone-of-the-anointing/.)”

“Over hundreds of years, there have been stories of miracles and cures experienced by people who have visited and anointed the Stone of the Anointing. The atmosphere in the Church of the Sepulchre is one of reverence and worship. This is clearly one of the holiest places and somewhere that each and every one of us should consider visiting during our lifetimes.” ( History of the The Stone of the Anointing is taken from the website: https://www.thesalvationgarden.org/the-stone-of-the-anointing/.)”

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

Syrian Orthodox Chapel In The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Syrian Orthodox Chapel of the Jacobite sect is located just behind the tomb where Jesus was buried. Due to the poverty of the Syrian Orthodox Church, little repairs or restoration has been done to the chapel area. The chapel is located within the church walls of the Constantine Church, all of which are a part of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem today. The walls and altar sustained major fire damage over the years and no repairs have been made. To the south of the chapel, you will find many typical Jewish tombs of the 1st century. According to tradition, the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are found in this area. It was Arimathea who took down the body of Jesus from the cross and saw to the proper burial.

                             “Luke 23:50-56 King James Version (KJV)

50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counselor; and he was a good man, and a just:

51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

52 This man went unto Pilate and begged the body of Jesus.

53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.

54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.

55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulcher, and how his body was laid.

56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments, and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.” 

footprint of jesus

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

Interior Of The Tomb Of Joseph Of Arimathea

Inside the Syrian Orthodox Chapel of Saint Joseph of Arimathea and Saint Nicodemus is a very plain rock hewed cave where Jesus was laid to rest. It is here that the women returned on the First Day of the week to find Jesus was not where he had been placed. Instead, the rock which covered the entrance was rolled aside and Jesus was no longer there.

                         “Matthew 28:1-7 King James Version (KJV)

28 At the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him, the keepers did shake and became as dead men.

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” (1. Matthew 28: 1-7 KJV)

The National Geographic Magazine October 31, 2016 issue in the article: “Unsealing of Christ’s Reputed Tomb Turns Up New Revelations” by Kristin Romey gives fresh insight into the condition of the tomb today.

“JERUSALEM Researchers have continued their investigation into the site where the body of Jesus Christ is traditionally believed to have been buried, and their preliminary findings appear to confirm that portions of the tomb are still present today, having survived centuries of damage, destruction, and reconstruction of the surrounding Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The most venerated site in the Christian world, the tomb today consists of a limestone shelf or burial bed that was hewn from the wall of a cave. Since at least 1555, and most likely centuries earlier, the burial bed has been covered in marble cladding, allegedly to prevent eager pilgrims from removing bits of the original rock as souvenirs.

When the marble cladding was first removed on the night of October 26, an initial inspection by the conservation team from the National Technical University of Athens showed only a layer of fill material underneath. However, as researchers continued their nonstop work over the course of 60 hours, another marble slab with a cross carved into its surface was exposed. By the night of October 28, just hours before the tomb was to be resealed, the original limestone burial bed was revealed intact.”

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

Scaffolding On A Large Unmarked Wall

Possibly a large stone is contained in the scaffolding on this large unmarked wall that might have been part of an earlier altar. This may have been a part of an archaeology project headed by the Greek Orthodox, under whose control that section of the building remains. Any work, that might have been done, seems to have halted. This project possibly dates back into the 1960s, when there was a major project started that was never completed.

There are often unknown digs that go on in different areas of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher due to the shared status of the building and the distrust that can sometimes be seen. The Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Coptic’s, Syrians, and Armenians, all share guardianship of this beautiful piece of history. The Ethiopians have a monastery on the roof and control that area. Two Muslim families keep the keys to the massive Crusader doors. This enables all to have complete access when desired.

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Ladder Window

The mystery of the Ladder Window is one that is centuries old. In fact, the ladder has been there so long, that people no longer even know how it got there or what it was used for. Over the centuries there have been many suggestions put forth, but all are just an attempt to solve an unsolvable mystery.

One that many people have offered is that it was left behind by a careless mason, or window washer. With a building of this size, that certainly is a very real possibility. But then, there is the suggestion of it having been used in order to supply food to the Armenian monks who were locked in the church by the Turks. No matter the reason for the original ladder, it did come in handy for the monks wishing to use the cornice as a balcony to get fresh air and sunshine. By not leaving the church, they were able to bypass paying the Ottoman tax to re-enter through the door.

The ladder appears in an engraving of the church that was done in 1728 and is mentioned in the work of Sultan Abdul Hamid I in 1757. No matter when it was originally left in that position, it is immovable and it is part of the Status Quo. It must permanently remain in its position on the ledge over the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Regardless of when the original ladder was left in this position, it is impossible to think that this is the original ladder that was left behind.  Being that it has weathered the elements of Mother Nature since the early 18th century, it would have had to have been replaced at least once. The ladder, window,  and the historical cornice are all included as part of the possession of the Armenian Orthodox Church and must so remain.

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

The Magnificent Church Of The Holy Sepulcher In Jerusalem Israel

Any time of the year is the perfect time to visit the Holy Land. There is always more to see and do than the time you have. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy all the museums and archaeological sites. There is a vast number of ruins to explore and conquer. A trip to Israel also pairs nicely with a side trip to Jordan. You can easily spend a whole day discovering Petra.

For the Christian believer, the highlight of a spring trip would be to join in with the local Christian Churches as they celebrate the Resurrection Of Jesus. Information on the events being held during Holy Week can be found by calling a local Cathedral. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is very involved in the different Holy Week events. Each of the many denominations, your travel guide, and even your motel can suggest many places to go during this special week.

Those of the Jewish faith will delight in the events surrounding the Passover. A quick call to any of the Chabad Houses will give you all the information needed. Chabad also has a special seder service throughout the Holy Land for those who are traveling, and lack local contacts.

Regardless of your reason or interests, there is never a moment without something to see or do.  Jerusalem is an amazing city that you will want to spend as much time as possible. Why not make this the year, you celebrate the events surrounding Easter or Passover in the holy city of Jerusalem, Israel?

                                               GENERAL INFORMATION

Special Holy Week Events

 

“Palm Sunday procession on the Mount of Olives

Join the popular reenactment of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Participants gather at the Church of Bethpage and begin at 2:30 pm to descend the Mount of Olives, singing hymns and bearing palm fronds.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Armenians, Copts and Syrians make three rounds around the rotunda in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Palm Procession starts at 7:00 am, and the daily procession begins at 5:00 pm.” (The Official Jerusalem Travel Site)
Holy Thursday Events

“The washing of the feet is a tradition in imitation of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

8:00 am — Pontifical Mass (Supper of the Lord & Mass of the Chrism), Procession of the Blessed Sacrament

In and around the Old City

3:10 pm — Pilgrimage from St. Savior’s Church (from the entrance from St. Francis Street) to the Cenacle, St. James and St. Mark followed by service with the Washing of the Feet

9:00 pm — Holy Hour in different languages at the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives followed by private prayer in silence.” (The Official Jerusalem Travel Site)

Good Friday
“7:15 am — Celebration of the Passion of Christ on Calvary in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre

12:15 pm — Procession of the Way of the Cross at the Via Dolorosa with the Franciscan Fathers

8:10 pm — “Funeral Procession” in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre

The Garden Tomb

For Protestants, there is a Good Friday meditative service (English) at the Garden Tomb.”

Holy Saturday

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher

6:30 am — Easter Vigil

3:30 pm: Entry and solemn procession

6:00 pm — Solemn Vespers the Holy Tomb

11:30 am (Sunday) — Pontifical celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours at the Altar of Mary Magdalene, presided by the Custos of the Holy Land

Late Saturday night is the Holy Fire ceremony. Thousands await the miraculous lighting of the Patriarch’s candle from within the tomb. Caution is advised since the crowds tend to be tight and there has been violence in recent years.” (The Official Jerusalem Travel Site)

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Easter Service

10:00 am — Entry of the Latin Patriarch, H.B. Fuad Twal

10:30 am — Pontifical mass and procession

5:00 pm — Daily Procession

The Garden Tomb

Sunrise services in English
Resurrection service in English

8:00 am — Jerusalem Holy Sepulcher: Daily Solemn Mass

10:00 am — Emmaus Qubeibeh: Pontifical Mass & Blessing of bread presided by the Custos

2:30 pm — Emmaus Qubeibeh: Vespers & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

5:00 pm — Jerusalem Holy Sepulcher: Daily Procession

MORE SERVICES AND EVENTS

Get the complete schedule for Easter services at both Catholic and Protestant institutions throughout the city by visiting the Christian Information Website.” (The Official Jerusalem Travel Site)

                                             Directions And Information

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in East Jerusalem in between the Jaffa Gate and the Damascus Gate.

Telephone……02/ 627-3314

Visiting Hours: Winter hours

: 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Summer hours are: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

References:

  1. King James Bible
  2. The Art of one of Christendom’s Holiest Sites by John Stringer
  3. Forbes Magazine, December 8th, 2015 issue.”This Bone Is The Only skeletal Evidence For Crucifixion In The Ancient World “by Khristina Killgrove.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica, “The Church of the Holy Sepulchre “
  5. History of the The Stone of the Anointing is taken from the website: https://www.thesalvationgarden.org/the-stone-of-the-anointing/.
  6. http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-the-church-of-the-holy-sepulchre/
  7. The National Geographic Magazine October 31, 2016 issue in the article: “Unsealing of Christ’s Reputed Tomb Turns Up New Revelations” by Kristin Romey
  8. The Official Jerusalem Travel Site  —– https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/article/easter-in-jerusalem/

https://exploretraveler.com/church-saint-john-baptist-birth-place-john-baptist/

https://exploretraveler.com/garden-gethsemane-treasures/

Filed Under: Asia, Israel, Jerusalem, nazzarth, travel the world, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Church of the Holy Sepulcher, crucifixion of Jesus, Easter in the Holy Land, Israel, Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Nazzarth, Passover in the Holy Land, The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher, The Rock Of Golgotha, The Stone Of anointing, The Syrian Orthodox Chapel, Tomb Of Joseph Of Arimathea

He Has Risen From The Grave

March 27, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

         grave        He Has Risen; He Is Not Here

Matthew 28:5-6 “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

He has risen! He is no longer in the grave! Come see the place where they have laid Him! These are the words that echo across the land, in every tongue, in every nation where the faithful celebrate the resurrection of their Lord. People flock to the mountain top to greet the day and to remember that they have a living Savior who conquered the grave.

There is no greater privilege for believers than to  experience the Holy Week in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, they can walk in the steps of their Savior. Where else in the world can you do that?

In Jerusalem you can celebrate the greatest events in Christian history. Events leading to salvation. Here you can live the history of this most important day. You are experiencing Jesus’ life at the very place where history happened. What a moving experience anytime of the year. Imagine what it is like to be there today. It is unforgettable! It is an experience the faithful never forget.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

       “The light shines in the darkness”

“The light shines in the darkness” on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the traditional site of the crucifixion. This is where the events of the Sunday before Easter begin. This day is known throughout much of the Christian world as Palm Sunday. Holy Week officially began in the Holy Land with an 8 am celebration mass. The day is completed with the procession of the palms in the afternoon. This is a day of jubilant celebration by many of the faiths throughout the world. It is an exciting time to be a pilgrim in the Holy Land.

Jaffa Gate

         They Entered At The Jaffa Gate

At 2:30 p.m.local time, several thousand Christian Catholic pilgrims  from throughout the world begin a joyful march from the Village of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives.  Christians from all over the world join with Catholic believers as they go out marching, waving their palms. They go out  praying and singing in every language. They descend the western side of the Mount of Olives. Next they will cross the Kidron valley and enter into the Old City at the Jaffa gate. The procession ends at the Church of St. Anne’s.

The Orthodox believers follow the Patriarch as he leads them. Each will be bearing palm fronds. It is a colorful procession that winds down to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and back to the Patriarchate. There are several other processions from the Armenian, Coptic and Syrian denominations. These also take place within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

What a beautiful sight to see, as all the many faithful begin their march in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. What a joyful time it is, as they remember when their Savior road into the city on a small white donkey. The crowds were joyful and waved palm branches. This was the original Palm Sunday, so long ago.

On Thursday morning at 8am the  Catholic faithful from around the world gather at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. This is to remember the night in the Upper Room, where Jesus gathered with His disciples to break bread. Here at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre they remember that first Lord’s Supper, as Christians in every language, from every nation, join together to break bread.

In the afternoon of the same day, the Franciscans will make their traditional pilgrimage to the Cenacle or the Upper Room on Mount Zion. At what is known as the Holy Hour, a reading in several languages will take place in the Basilica of Agony in Gethsemane.  Latter  a candlelight procession will wind down from Gethsemane to Mount Zion for the Roman Catholic faithful. The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu will remain open during the night for worshippers to come and pray.

Holy Sepulchre

               Entrance From The Courtyard

The Orthodox denominations celebrates the night  with the washing of the feet celebration. This is in remembrance of that time in the Upper Room when Jesus washed the disciples feet.  This solemn celebration takes place in the courtyard of the Church Of The Holy Sepulcher, as well as each of the Orthodox churches in the Old City. As with all the celebrations, the Orthodox faithful from every nation will gather for this time of remembrance.

Garden of Gethsemane

                   Garden of Gethsemane

The Anglican, Lutheran and Protestant denominations also hold a procession on Thursday of Holy Week that begins at St. George’s Cathedral  continuing on to the Redeemer’s Church and from there to Christ Church, ending at the Garden of Gethsemane. Here at the garden the Protestant faithful also have a place of prayer where they too can watch as the Savior prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane over 2000 years ago. The events of this night are recorded in Matthew’s Gospel:

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

–Matthew 26:36-39

Local Christians living in the Holy Land of all denominations will watch with Jesus during this time of meditation and prayer. A Holy Hour in the Garden of Gethsemane is kept by the local followers of Jesus and pilgrims alike. This hour is extremely important and followers of many faiths will watch and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane this night. It is then followed by a candlelight procession to the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. This is the church that is traditionally known as the site where Jesus spent the night after he was  arrested.

Good Friday, is the day which most denominations believe Jesus was crucified and buried. There is a procession consisting of thousands of believers of many denominations.  The followers bear crosses and are led by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is the Custodian of the Holy Sites. As they proceed down the Via Dolorosa, they will mark the Stations of the Cross.

Calvary

          Climbing Golgotha or Calvary

Upon arriving back at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher you enter on the south side through the left hand doorway. Instead of entering the sanctuary, you go to the right. Here you begin to climb a winding and steep set of stairs. You are now ascending Calvary (taken from the Latin) or Golgotha (taken from the Aramaic), where Jesus was crucified. Both names mean “the place of the skull.”

At the top of the stairs it opens unto a floor that is level with a rocky area, Here is where Jesus was crucified. This is the rock of Golgotha. It is here that the cross of Jesus stood, with two other crosses, one on each side. It is here that He died with a thief on each side. He was crucified as a common criminal. As you stand looking at the spot where the crosses stood, the weight and magnitude of the crucifixion comes over each pilgrim. How can it not?

STONE

At the rear of the Greek Chapel is another set of stairs leading back down. To the left of the stairs is what is called The Stone of Anointing.  This slab is a reddish stone with candlesticks and a row of eight lamps overhead. Here you will find pilgrims kneeling and kissing the stone with great reverence, as it represents to them the place where Jesus’ body was anointed for burial. This is not the original stone, as it dates back only to 1810. The devotion of kissing the stone dates back to the 12th Century. Pilgrims often bring objects and lay on the stone, as they pray and ask favors for others who did not come.                     

There will also be many independent groups that will make their way down the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem.  These processions all end at  the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. All of the many processions remember that the Via Dolorosa is the way their Savior walked carrying His cross and all end at Calvary.

thorns

                   “Crown Of Thorns”

The “Crown of Thorns” is a sorrowful event that is remembered by all. These are the Branches of the Acacia Tree, which were used to make the “Crown of Thorns.”Jesus was beaten and a crown of thorns was placed on His head. This was the crown that he wore as he walked the Via Dolorosa over 2000 years ago. During the processions is a time of remembrance of this painful and sorrowful “Crown of Thorns” made from this extremely wicked and thorny tree. Many trees have thorns, but none like the Acacia Tree.

Can you imagine the pain caused by this “Crown Of Thorns?” No other tree has thorns like this! If you have ever met the thorn of the lemon tree, you know how they hurt. Imagine a thorn that is longer and larger. The thorn is like a razor, it is so sharp. This made up the “Crown Of Thorns!”

Nail

                             Crucifixion

A nail driven through the ankle bone was discovered in Jerusalem dating from the 1st century A.D. It provides a vivid and sobering visual of what it was like to be Crucified. The faithful of all denominations remember the agony that Jesus went through on the cross more than 2000 years ago. Crucifixion is the most painful way to die. Jesus hung on the cross like a common chemical. The weight of His body would have been excruciating.

  A Little History About These Holy Sites

Three denominations share ownership of The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher. The Greek Orthodox, the Latin Church or Roman Catholics, and the Armenian Orthodox. The Greeks own the central worship space which is called the “Katholikon”. The Church is called “Anastasia’s” or Church of the Resurrection.

The Armenians own the underground Chapel of Saint Helena. They have renamed it to honor St Gregory the Illuminator.

The Roman Catholic or Latin Rite own the Franciscan Chapel of the Apparition. Catholic tradition states that the Risen Christ first appeared to His mother there. They also own an underground Chapel of the finding of the Cross.

Three small and minor Orthodox communities have rights to certain areas. They are the Coptic, Syriac, and the Ethiopian Orthodox. A Monastery of Ethiopian monks live a humble life in a type of African village located on the roof. The Ethiopian Monastery is called Deir es-Sultan.

The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher has over 30 Chapels. Each Chapel has all the trappings of the denomination who uses it. If you could strip all the man made buildings and stand on the bare dirt, you would stand between two places. Not more than 90 feet separates the two. You would be standing on dirt, rock, and grass. This was the conditions of the area when Jesus died and was buried here.

       The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher

In the evening, the Catholics hold a burial procession which begins at The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher in the Old City. Many other churches in the Old City have similar processions through the city. Several Protestant churches have services at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. These services are held in several languages, including English.

actual place of buriel

        The Tomb Where He Was Laid

Most of the processions lead to the garden tomb where Jesus was laid. In the center is a little stone house or tomb. The entrance is flanked by candles. This is the tomb of Christ or what is known as the 14th station of the cross as the processions walk to the tomb. It is here He was buried and from here He rose again. The stone is protected with a frame. It was here that he laid in the tomb for three days and three nights. It was from here that he arose on the Third Day.

                       Resurrection Day

On Easter Sunday, the Roman Catholic faithful celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They recognize that He has risen!  The Latin Patriarch heads a procession to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher the Easter mass is said and  a multi-lingual reading of the Gospel of Resurrection is read by the Patriarch.

The Lutherans hold the Easter day Eucharist on the Mount of Olives behind the Augusta Victoria Church. The service takes place out in the open and is held in several languages. They also recognize that He has risen.

Protestants hold the Easter services in English at the Garden Tomb as well as several Protestant churches located throughout Jerusalem. No matter which church, the message is the same. He has risen!

Orthodox denominations begin their celebration of Easter Sunday at midnight on Saturday night. A Patriarchal procession to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher winds through the old city. There are many celebrations of the Easter Divine Liturgy in the various Orthodox Churches in the Old City.

           He Has Arisen; He Is Not Heregrave

Filed Under: Asia, Israel, Jerusalem, Middle East, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Augusta Victoria Church, Calvary, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Deir es-Sultan, Easter Sunday, Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, Good Friday, Israel, Jerusalem, Latin Patriarch, Mount of Olives, Old City of Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, Resurrection Day, The Garden Tomb

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