Saturday 15 October 2011

Touching the rock on which Jesus died, the church of the Holy Sepulchre

Travel article Nr. 11 related to the important historical places in the “Life of Jesus”.

In this article we are describing stations 10 to 12 of the Via Dolorosa: Jesus is stripped of his clothing, he is nailed to the cross, and he dies in front of the eyes of his mother. The cross was erected between two rocks where the blood of Jesus fell on; this is the place visitors want to see and to be near. The rock is inside the church and surrounded by a chapel you can enter via the first floor. Here it is very crowded and people have to wait to approach the site. If the chapel is not full with visitors you have an opportunity to touch the rock where Jesus was crucified. Underneath the altar, there is a hole through which you can put your arm to touch the rock. By doing this, we touched the rock where Jesus died, and in Bethlehem the place where Jesus was born. It was a very special experience.

In dit artikel beschrijven we stations 10 tot 12 van de Via Dolorosa: de kleren van Jezus worden afgenomen, hij wordt aan het kruis genageld, en hij sterft voor de ogen van zijn moeder. Het kruis werd rechtgezet tussen twee rotsen waar het bloed van Jezus op vloeide. Dit is de plaats die bezoekers willen zien en dichtbij willen komen. De rots is binnen in de kerk en er is een kapel rond gebouwd die je kan binnengaan via het eerste verdiep. Als de kapel niet overvol is, heb je de mogelijkheid de rots aan te raken. Onder het altaar, vind je een gat waardoor je je arm kan steken om de rots aan te raken. Door dit te doen, hebben we de plaats gevoeld waar Jezus op gestorven is, en in Bethlehem de plaats aangeraakt waar Jezus op werd geboren. Het was een speciale ervaring..

Jesus dies on the cross, Jerusalem
Jesus dies on the cross, Jerusalem
Jesus dies on the cross, Jerusalem
Jesus dies on the cross, Jerusalem
Jesus dies on the cross, Jerusalem
Jesus dies on the cross, Jerusalem
Jesus dies on the cross, JerusalemOur travel articles related to the important historical places in the “Life of Jesus”:
1. The Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth
2. The House and carpentry of Joseph in Nazareth underneath the Saint Joseph church
3. Grotto of the Nativity - Why Bethlehem instead of Nazareth? The flight to Egypt.
4. Capernaum in Galilee, the Town of Jesus.
5. Baptismal site in the Jordan River where John baptised Jesus.
6. Sermon on the mount, our visit to Mount of Beatitudes.
7. Tabgha, the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
8. The Mount of Olives, one of the must important places for Jesus and the Jews.
9. The Basilica of the Agony, the evening before the arrest of Jesus.
10. An emotional visit on the Via Dolorosa where Jesus carried the cross.
11. Touching the rock on which Jesus died, the church of the Holy Sepulchre.
12. The Stone of Unction in the church of the Holy Sepulchre.
13. The Tomb of Jesus and the Resurrection, Church of the Holy Selpuchre.

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7 comments:

  1. Indeed, that must be really a special experience!

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  2. What a moment in one's life! Did you visit something Jewish rather than Christian too?

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  3. Wonderful impression of your visit to the chapel. Beautiful details too. Have a nice weekend.

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  4. A solemn and moving experience you've captured in your photos, Filip.

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  5. such wonderful review and photos!
    that is definitely a great experience of a life time.

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  6. That is a real solemn experience indeed, just like what Barb said.

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  7. You have a very serious look on your face... I am sure that this is a very special experience. pretty lovely chapel where this is commemorated

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