EASTER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 2025
Some images from my trip to Israel several years ago.
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE, OLD JERUSALEM
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre site has been recognized since early in the fourth century as the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead.
LADDER OF THE STATUS QUO
The immovable ladder as seen in the arcade of the first image above has remained in the same location at least since the 18th century as a result of the Status Quo. Its presence in its current location signifies the adherence to an agreement, the Status Quo, among six Christian denominations, who collectively own the church, not to move, repair, or alter anything in the church without the consent of all six denominations.
STONE OF THE ANOINTING
According to the Gospel of Matthew, it was Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Christ of considerable wealth, who sought and obtained permission of Pontius Pilate to receive the body of Christ after crucifixion. His act of anointing Jesus’ body with perfumed oils and spices is seen as an act of devotion and respect. It is an essential component of the Christian understanding of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Stone of Anointing has not been without controversy. During the Middle Ages, it was damaged, and some accounts suggest it was even smashed. In the 12th century, it was replaced with a new stone. However it still remains a piece of deep Christian devotion and reverence to this day as can be seen in the image above.
During my visit, I was able to patiently stand in line and await my turn to kneel and touch the “Altar of Golgotha”, the very spot where the crucifixion post was sunk.
LOCATION OF CHRIST’S TOMB WITHIN THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is the traditional location of Jesus Christ’s tomb. After The Anointing, Joseph of Arimathea laid the body of Christ in the unused sepulchre that he had constructed for his own burial. The tomb was buried by Emperor Hadrian & rediscovered in the time of Constantine.