Falling Behind

I haven't posted in a few days now, but I have been busy. Having finished photographing all 250 kneeler cushions, I have begun the task of researching the parishes for contact information. I would love to make this sound like a more exciting project, alas.... Let me just say, the Church of England appears not to be a fan of putting contact information in easy-to-locate spots on parish websites.

Birthplace of the Virgin Mary
The day I walked Rampart's Walk from Jaffa Gate to Dung Gate, I also went to the site said to be the birth place of the Virigin Mary. The series of grottos (cave-like) rooms are tiny, dark, damp and musty. I couldn't imagine living here, even if I were a foot shorter!

This is the shrine above the home. 

The tombs of St. Anna and St. Joachim. 

Where Mary is said to have lived as an infant.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Last Friday evening, I made my way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the church believed to be built on the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection. The space is shared between several Christian denominations, most notably, the Orthodox, Latin (Catholic) and Armenian Churches.

Upon entering the church, the Stone of Unction, where it is said Jesus' body was cleaned and prepared for burial:

Steps to the right of this take you up to Golgotha "the place of the skull," described in the New Testament . The central chapel is Greek Orthodox (very ornate). Under the altar, you can reach your hand through a casing to touch the rock where the cross is said to have stood. Sadly, my camera was full, probably of cushions, and I couldn't take any more shots at that point (I 'borrowed' this one from online).

The tomb is in a large wooden rotunda to the left of the stone of unction and it seriously dominates the section of the Church. I did stand in line to go through and you really do not get much time inside before the monks urge you out.

I arrived at the Church around 4:30 or 5. I missed most of the Catholic service but I was perfectly positioned to watch the Armenian service, which was beautiful to listen to.