Part IV: Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Down the stairs and directly below the Greek Chapel at Calvary is another chapel, the Chapel of Adam.

Through the glass case on a wall in the Chapel of Adam, we can see a side view of the stone of Calvary.
 

Photo: The bedrock of Calvary can also be seen on the floor to the left and right of the of the altar along with notes left from pilgrims who have come to ask for blessings. During the Byzantine period, many of the traditions (some true and some legendary) that had been associated with the Temple Mount were transferred to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. For example, Adam was said to be buried beneath the Cross on Calvary, thus the meaning of “Golgotha” - the place of the skull. Also, the sacrifice of Isaac was transferred from the Temple Mount to the Holy Sepulcher. With the building of the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, these traditions were transferred back to the Temple Mount by the Muslims. One has to decide what feels right and what doesn't. Everyone loves a good "story" and guides love to sensationalize events whether they happened here or not. Regardless, we KNOW they did happen and when we visit these sites, we reflect upon the events that took place so long ago.

Photo: The Coombs in the Chapel of Adam. One of the blessings of serving in Jerusalem is making new friends. Dr. Coombs (Doug) and his wife, Janna, are from Salt Lake City and have become very special friends.

Photo: Small Armenian shrine near the Tomb. In the heart of the Holy Sepulchre is a round hall or rotunda. In the center of the circle, the tomb of Christ is located in a smaller structure, the Edicule which is a structure that is revered as the location of the location of Christ's tomb.

The natural light filters in from the top, creating a feeling of holiness.

Photo: Dome of the tomb of Christ. The Edicule, has two chambers: a small chapel and the room of the tomb. The dome is supported by 18 columns and the only major part in the church that corresponds to the Constantine church.

Photo: The entrance to the Tomb of Jesus is a very narrow arched doorway on the east side. The first time we visited the Tomb, there was such a long line, we never got inside and because of the crowds, it was difficult to get many photos. However, on our 2nd visit, the line was short and were were lucky to go inside.

Photo: Inside Tomb of Christ.

Because the tomb is so small, there is space for only one or two people. Directly over the alter were hanging jars with incense and candles donated by Christian churches from around the world. A priest kept watch to keep the line moving and allowed us to stay no more about 30 seconds inside the tomb.

Photo: Inside Tomb of Christ.

Photo: Alter to the left of the tomb.

Photo: Gigantic candle holder near the tomb.

Photo: Byzantine Cross.

Photo: In another wing of the Church is the Armenian Chapel and because they were having mass, we stopped here. Mass near Armenian chapel.

Inside the Chapel of Derision (meaning treating with contempt) is where Jesus was tied up to a stone column and mocked by a crowd. Under the altar, within a glass box, is a section of the stone column.

Photo: On the roof of the Holy Sepulchre are Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries who still function today. As previously mentioned, the church is maintained by six different (very protective and territorial) Christian denominations. Originally, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was constructed as two sites. The first was a rotunda with a dome marking the tomb of Christ. The second was a basilica church on the site of the crucifixion. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a mish-mash of so many different chapels (30 in all) and I have only scratched the surface in the four entries in this blog. There is so much more to share but hopefully this has helped you gain a better understanding to one of the holiest sites in the Christian world.