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First Saturday of Lent in the Holy Sepulcher
Lent,
the spiritual ascent to Jerusalem for the Pascha, takes on a unique
character for those who live and pray in the holy city every day. On the
first Saturday of Lent, each of the five Christian confessions who enjoy
rights to the Holy Sepulcher is authorized to have a Solemn Entry. This
year, all Christians will celebrate Easter on the same day. Such was
already the case in 2001 and 2004, and it will be so again in 2010, 2011,
2014, 2017, 2025…
Thus, five Solemn Entries followed one upon the other at the Holy Sepulcher this Saturday afternoon. Following tradition, the Latins opened the ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. The Franciscan friars led the procession, followed by the diocesan seminarians, who along with Mgr Fouad Twal, the Coadjucator-Bishop of His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, and the canons of the Holy Sepulcher, joined them as the procession passed the Latin Patriarchate.
Several minutes before the rhythmic pounding of the Kawas’ staffs could be heard from Christian Quarter Road, the doors of the Basilica of the Resurrection were closed. The pilgrims and tourists who coincidentally arrived at this moment were mystified until the rumor began to pass that something was about to happen. When Mgr Twal entered the forecourt, the doors were reopened.
The Latins, Greeks and Armenians celebrate virtually
the same ritual, with only a few different details. The procession and
prelates pause at the Stone of Anointing. Although all tour guides and all
religious agree that this stone is note THE stone of anointing, but rather
a handsome flagstone placed here during the Middle Ages in commemoration
of that moment between the removal of the Lord’s body from the Cross and
its placement in the Tomb, all agree to venerate it with a kiss. The
rituals then vary; some bless it with incense and holy water, some anoint
it with oil, some only incense it, etc.
Once all the Solemn Entries have taken place—everyone assisting at everyone else’s Entry—each group goes to its chapel to continue its prayer and devotions. For the Franciscans, it is time for the daily procession. Today’s is the same as every day’s, but a bit more ceremonious. It is sung from beginning to end, and the procession encircles the Tomb three times, instead of just one.
On this Saturday, when all the Churches enter into Lent in the Holy Sepulcher, some people might hear a cacophony. Some might cry “scandal!” and demand that there be one sole Entry for everyone together, one sole procession, and so on, as a true sign of unity. Still others will see signs of the unity that has so far been achieved, these discreet winks, smiles, greetings, praises, the beauty of diversity…
The Holy Sepulcher is not the sign of division, as some would facilely conclude. The Holy Sepulcher is the only place in the world where all Christians come together every day, with the collisions that proximity and public living can sometimes cause, but nonetheless together to celebrate at one and the same time their faith in the Christ who died and rose there.
For forty days their hearts will beat to the same rhythm of this ascent toward the Pascha. And the celebrations that bring them together will increase in number. For this alone, it is a grace to experience Lent in Jerusalem
MAB
The five denominations are
1. The Latins, represented by the Franciscans of the Holy Land, Guardians
of the Holy Sepulcher, who for this reason receive the Latin Patriarch –
or his representative – to make a Solemn Entry.
2. The Greek Orthodox, represented by the Patriarch Theophilos III,
recognized by the other Churches, although not by one faction of his
denomination’s faithful or by the State of Israel, who still recognize his
predecessor Ireneos.
3. The Coptic Orthodox, represented by Archbishop Anba Abraham.
4. The Syrian Orthodox, represented by Archbishop Swerios Malki Mourad.
5. The Armenians. A bishop represented Patriarch Torkom II, whose advanced
age prevents his participation in ceremonies outside the patriarchate.
The Churches are named here in the order of their Entry on this day.
CTS News © copyright Custodiae Terrae Sanctae 2006