This church, also known as the Church of the Resurrection, is believed to mark the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The narrative surrounding this sacred place is filled with miracles, mysteries, and a rich tapestry of faith that has drawn pilgrims from around the world for centuries.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the oldest church in Jerusalem and holds a unique control arrangement known as the Status Quo, established in 1757. This arrangement ensures that several Christian denominations coexist and maintain their respective territories within the church.
The church’s history is as intricate as its control structure. It was constructed in the 4th century CE after Roman Emperor Constantine the Great legalized Christianity. Constantine sent his mother, Helena, to locate Jesus’s tomb in Jerusalem.
Helena’s search led to the discovery of the True Cross at a site near a tomb, which was presumed to be Jesus’s. Consequently, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built over this site and consecrated in 335 CE.
Over the centuries, the church has faced numerous calamities, including earthquakes and deliberate attacks. In 614 CE, the Sassanid Empire destroyed the church in a fire, but it was rebuilt 16 years later.
In the 11th century, the Fatimid Caliphate ordered its destruction again, targeting Jewish and Christian holy sites throughout the region. Each time, the church was rebuilt, expanded, and renovated, a testament to its enduring significance.
One of the most extraordinary manifestations of divine presence at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the annual Miracle of the Holy Fire. This event occurs on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, and has been celebrated for centuries.
According to believers, the miracle begins when the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem enters the Edicule, a small chapel within the church that is said to enclose the Tomb of Jesus Christ. The patriarch enters alone and prays in complete darkness, asking for the descent of the Holy Fire. Witnesses gather outside the Edicule, anxiously awaiting the miraculous event. Suddenly, without any apparent source, flames ignite from the patriarch’s hands, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Fire.
The patriarch then lights candles and shares the holy fire with the faithful, who use it to light their own candles and lanterns. The flame is believed to be miraculously cool to the touch and to produce healing properties.
The Holy Fire is considered a symbol of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and a sign of God’s presence among his followers. Pilgrims from around the world travel to Jerusalem to witness this extraordinary event and receive the blessing of the Holy Fire.
The continuity and consistency of the Holy Fire Miracle have baffled scientists and skeptics over the years, with many unable to provide a rational explanation for its occurrence. Despite attempts to debunk or replicate the miracle, it remains a mystery that continues to inspire awe and devotion among believers.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not only a site of miracles but also a place of deep historical and symbolic significance.
The New Testament describes Jesus’s crucifixion and burial outside Jerusalem’s walls, consistent with ancient practices where interments typically occurred outside city boundaries. Crucifixion, a brutal form of execution used by the Roman Empire for severe criminals, also took place outside city walls to serve as a public deterrent.
Jesus is believed to have been crucified at Golgotha, a site located outside Jerusalem’s walls. Following his crucifixion, Jesus was buried in a tomb situated outside the city, a site now known as the Garden Tomb.
The discovery of the Garden Tomb in the 19th century added another layer to the complex history of Jesus’s burial sites. While it presents some issues with its location and historical context, it is still accepted by some Christian denominations, particularly Mormons and some Evangelical Protestants, as the authentic Tomb of Jesus.
Despite this, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains the most widely accepted site for Jesus’s burial, a status it has held for over six centuries.
The narrative of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial outside Jerusalem is historically and symbolically significant. It reflects Jesus’s mission and his identification with the marginalized, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
During Jesus’s era, Jerusalem’s walls did not extend as far as they do today, placing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre outside the city limits. This positioning outside the city boundaries held symbolic meaning as religious sites often carried importance beyond mere physical boundaries.
Archaeological evidence further corroborates this historical context, showcasing the gradual expansion of Jerusalem’s walls to encompass significant sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The city of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus looked vastly different from what it is today.
The old city walls constrained the city to a smaller area, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre lay outside these walls. This positioning outside the city limits was symbolically important, emphasizing the historical and symbolic significance of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial.
In summary, the Garden Tomb and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre represent two significant sites traditionally associated with Jesus’s burial. While the Garden Tomb has its proponents among certain Christian denominations and some academics, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains the most widely accepted site.
The New Testament’s account of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial outside Jerusalem aligns with historical practices and carries deep symbolic meaning. Archaeological evidence supports the historical context of these sites, reflecting Jerusalem’s evolving landscape over centuries.
These findings shed light on the architectural and urban development of ancient Jerusalem, offering insights into the cultural and religious landscape of the time. As the city grew and evolved, its religious and cultural significance deepened.
The construction of the second wall around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre signifies a shift in priorities and recognition of the importance of this sacred site. It reflects the interplay between faith, history, and architecture in shaping Jerusalem’s identity as a spiritual center.
Overall, the changes in Jerusalem’s city walls and the placement of religious sites like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reflect a dynamic interplay between the physical and spiritual realms. These developments underscore Jerusalem’s rich history and enduring legacy as a place of profound religious and historical significance.
Since at least the 12th century, the doors of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been controlled by the Nuseibeh family, the oldest Muslim family in Jerusalem, and the Joudeh family. Both families continue to hold this authority to this day, possessing the keys to the church believed to house Jesus’s tomb.
Given the site’s profound significance, many people are curious about whether they can visit this sacred place. The answer is yes. Entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is free, although some parts of the church might be closed for ceremonies on certain days. Every year, millions of tourists visit to pray and connect spiritually.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, one of the most striking structures on the Temple Mount in the Old City is the golden Dome of the Rock.
The Rock is believed in Judaism to be the spot where God created the first human, Adam. It is also believed to be the site where Abraham attempted to sacrifice his son Isaac. This site is said to have a divine presence, and it is towards this spot that Jews historically turned to pray.
Not far from these holy shrines, you can see the two blue domes of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the most holy place in Christianity. This is the site where Christ was crucified and resurrected, originally located outside the city of Jerusalem. This area was known as Mount Calvary or Golgotha.
Entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the first notable site is Golgotha. A staircase leads up to Calvary or Golgotha, the site of Jesus’s crucifixion and the most extravagantly decorated part of the church. The exit from this site leads down another staircase to the ambulatory.
Calvary has two chapels, one Greek Orthodox and the other Catholic. The Greek Orthodox Chapel’s altar is positioned over the rock of Calvary, which is also the 12th Station of the Cross. Visitors can touch the rock through a special hole in the floor beneath the altar.
Be prepared to wait in line, as this is one of the main attractions in the church. The Rock can also be seen through protective glass on both sides of the altar. Between the Catholic and Greek altars, a statue of Mary marks the 13th Station of the Cross.
Inside the church’s entrance is the Stone of Anointing, believed to be where Jesus’s body was prepared for burial. A modern mosaic along the wall depicts the anointing of Jesus’s body, while lamps with candles and incense hang along an ornate stand over the stone. Next, you will encounter the Aedicule, a small chapel housing the Holy Sepulchre. The Aedicule has two rooms: one holds the Angel’s Stone, believed to be a fragment of the stone that sealed Jesus’s tomb, and the other is the Tomb of Jesus. Since the 14th century, a marble plaque over the tomb has protected it from further damage caused by flocks of pilgrims. The Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic churches all have rightful access to the interior of the Tomb and all three hold Holy Mass there daily.
Between May 2016 and March 2017, the Aedicule underwent a painstaking restoration and repair process to ensure the structure’s safety for visitors. This effort reflects the ongoing importance of the site to millions of Christians worldwide and the commitment to preserving its sanctity for future generations.
Overall, the architectural evolution of Jerusalem, marked by significant construction like the second wall around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, highlights the city’s rich and dynamic history. These developments not only reflect Jerusalem’s physical growth but also its deepening spiritual significance. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in particular, stands as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy as a center of profound religious importance. Visitors today can explore this sacred site, connecting with centuries of history and faith that continue to shape the spiritual landscape of Jerusalem.
