Irene and Moe: A Walk on the Way of Sorrow

Via Dolorosa

Jerusalem

Sunny and warm

Again thanks to Fodor's Israel Tourbook

Disclaimer: We were sweapt along the Via Dolorosa with a sea of humanity. It was be easy to stop and look at something, only to see no one from our OAT group was in sight when one turned around. A guides' nightmare Ofer explained. No harm would come to us but it would take hours to track a person down or for that person to find his way back to the hotel. So I walked with only a fellow traveler in sight and didn't look around as much as I usually do...

Via Dolorosa, commonly called "the Way of the Cross", translates literally from Latin as "the Way of Sorrow". It is believed to be the route Jesus walked, from his trial to his crucifixion and burial. There are fourteen Stations of the Cross marked by Roman numerals. Tiny chapels mark a few of the stations. The last five are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Station I - Jesus is tried and condemned by Pontius Pilate

The ancient Antonia Fortress where Jesus was condemned is now a present-day madrasa, the Umariya Elementary School. Most people start at the locked gate; we were fortunate to be allowed to enter the school (as it was not in session).

Umariya Elementary School

View from the school - the Golden Dome

Station II - Jesus is scourged and given the cross

Across the street from Station I is Station II. (Not Shown) Nearby is the Church of the Flagellation, a Roman Catholic church in the Musliin Quarter, built around 1929.

Thorns encircle the entrance

Church of the Flagellation

Station III - Jesus falls for the first time (station III marker not shown).

This is the Chapel of the Third Station, a Polish Roman Catholic church.

Station IV - Mary Embraces Jesus

19th century Armenian church near the fourth station

Station V - Simon of Cyrene Picks up the Cross

Nearby is believed to be the imprint of Jesus' hand as he steadied himself against the wall. It has been worn down through the centuries, through millions of touches.

Jesus' handprint

Station VI - A Woman (Veronica) Wipes the Face of Jesus

Veronica's name seen in second line

Station VII - Jesus Falls for the Second Time

Station VIII - Jesus addresses the Women in the Crowd

Station VIII

Station IX - Jesus Falls for the Third Time

St. Helen's Coptic Church at the ninth Station is a simple but beautiful church built in the Crusader style in the 12th century. In April 2017, at least 44 people were killed in suicide bombings at Coptic Christian Churches in two different Egpytian cities.

A break under a tree offered this sight below.

The last five Stations of the Cross are in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Upon entering the church we encountered Fraanciscian monks,

Station X - Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

Station XI - Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Jesus nailed to the cross

Station XII - Jesus Dies on the Cross

Pilgrims wait hours to kiss the place where Jesus died (above)

Station XIII - Jesus is Taken down from the Cross

Station XIV - Jesus is buried

Sun beams through the rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher upon the tomb

Looking through a small window into Jesus' tomb.

The people inside have waited hours to enter and view a slab upon which a body would have been laid. Jesus' tomb was reopened in March after a $4 million restoration. The chamber, thought to be where Jesus' body was placed, was restored by a group of specialists from the Techniclal University of Athens. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher covers the site which is visited by people from around the world. The tomb is considered the holiest place in the Christian faith.

Other Pics from the Day

The Austrian Hotelier is a nice place to stop and refresh while walking the Way of the Cross. There are wonderful views from the roof (for a fee) and tasty apple strudel to be enjoyed in a cool garden. There is also interesting artwork inside.