Jerusalem, Israel
And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning of the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
—Bible, Mark 16:1–3
Illuminated by candles and shimmering lamps, the golden sculpted images of Christ on the cross and his mother sparkle inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre located in Jerusalem’s walled Old City. Also known as the Church of the Resurrection by Orthodox Christians, it stands on the hallowed sites where Jesus was crucified and his body was taken for burial.
If you seek solace through a heartfelt connection to Christ’s death and Resurrection, this site offers you a place for deep reflection and prayer. Step through the south transept’s single door where a Roman-style facade with foliate moldings and pointed arches visually announce a holy place. Pause to consider the symbolism of the raised slab of stone where Jesus’ body was readied for burial.
Walk slowly through the church, tune into the spiritual energies of centuries of pilgrims. Light a candle and pray for a departed soul or for someone who is distant or in distress. If you cannot travel to Jerusalem, take a virtual tour: www.3disrael.com/jerusalem/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulcher.cfm.
The Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Greek Orthodox churches share this holy site and are responsible for its safekeeping.