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Jerusalem: the holy city of three religions
All Kinds of Christians Under One Roof
The myths behind the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Entering the dim light of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, kneeling believers touch and kiss the elongated, reddish stone with their hands. As soon as one of them stands up, someone else takes his place. There is always someone kneeling there. The stone slab is not original, but according to tradition, it is where the body of Jesus was embalmed and covered with a shroud after his death.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is different from other churches.
It has been restored and extended so many times that it has become a confusing mix of ancient and modern churches and chapels, where the believer is drifted from one part to another. Nevertheless, even a non-religious visitor can’t help being overwhelmed by its unique atmosphere. Pilgrims from all over the world are murmuring prayers in many languages, singing psalms, shedding tears in a place they may visit only once in life. Africans, South Americans, Europeans, and Middle Easterners come for the same divine blessing. The countless oriental-style lamps and censers further enhance the reverential atmosphere.
