Station 1 started at Ecce Homo (where we are staying) as this is next to he Antonia Fortress where Jesus was condemned to death by Pilate. This Latin phrase is translated as 'Behold the Man'.
We continued up through the old city on the Via Dolorosa until we came to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is the traditional site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
The church Is divided up into sections, each administered by a different Christian denomination.
The site of Golgotha (crucifixion) is upstairs. Ornately decorated over the centuries, you can see the rocks at he bottom on either side (protected by glass casing). Under the altar you can touch the site.
The Sepulchre (tomb) is located not far away, again ornately decorated. You can go in 3 at a time to kneel in the tomb.
The diagram shows the current day church over the original site.
John 19:41-42
Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
In all an interesting place, which due to the volume of pilgrims is very busy and chaotic at times. But nonetheless, a place of great significance and importance.
No comments:
Post a Comment