Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection)
Brief Description
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is Christianity's principal shrine, located in Jerusalem. It unifies the two central sites related to the history of Jesus Christ: Golgotha (the place of the Crucifixion) and the Holy Sepulchre (the place of burial and Resurrection). It is an active center of worship and is managed jointly by six Christian denominations.
Location
- City: Jerusalem, Old City (Christian Quarter)
Historical Information
- Date or Period of Founding: The construction of the first church began by order of the Emperor Constantine the Great and his mother, Saint Helena, in 325/326 CE. It was consecrated in 335 CE.
- Key Events Associated with the Site: According to tradition, this site held Golgotha and the Tomb where Jesus Christ was buried and resurrected. The Church was repeatedly destroyed (by the Persians in 614 CE, by Caliph al-Hakim in 1009 CE) and subsequently restored, achieving its current appearance after reconstructions during the Crusader era (consecrated in 1149 CE).
- Significant Figures: Constantine I the Great and Saint Helena (founders); The Crusaders (restorers).
Religious Significance
- Confession or Tradition: Christianity. This is the site where the main events of the New Testament took place: the Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Rites and Practices: The Church is governed by six confessions (Greek Orthodox, Catholic, Armenian, Coptic, Syriac, and Ethiopian), each having its own chapels and service schedule. The Ceremony of the Holy Fire (Orthodox Easter), one of the most important rites in the Christian world, takes place here annually.
Cultural and Tourist Significance
- Why Pilgrims and Tourists Visit: This is the final destination for pilgrimages for millions of Christians worldwide. Pilgrims follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) and conclude their journey at Golgotha and the Holy Sepulchre.
- Unique Features: The Church is a complex architectural compound blending elements of Early Christian, Romanesque, and Gothic styles. The most famous part is the Aedicule (or Kouvouklion), the chapel built over the Holy Sepulchre.
Current Status
- Protection and Status: It is protected by the State of Israel and is a World Heritage Site. The management of the Church is regulated by the strict "Status Quo" (an agreement between denominations), which prohibits unilateral changes.
- Infrastructure: It is an active place of worship. Nearby, there are monasteries, pilgrim centers, and souvenir shops.
