Orthodox Holy Saturday

The temperature has dropped almost 10 degrees and it's been drizzling since yesterday. It seems like winter is back again. Everyone finds it disturbing. It's not been like this for many many years.

Amazing balance as this
Coptic pilgrim carries her
luggage on her head while
making the Way of the Cross

Since noon yesterday the bells of the Holy Sepulchre have been tolling the death knell. By lunch today it should stop as patriarchs of the Orthodox churches enter the basilica and into the Empty Tomb to await the Holy Fire to descend. It is orthodox tradition that every Holy Saturday the miracle of a divine fire will descend from heaven into the Empty Tomb. The Greek, Armenian, Coptic and Syrian patriarchs or bishops will light their candles with it and spread it among their faithful. Rivalry among the churches to first light their candles have led to scuffles and fights before. Police are out in force and this year they have even asked the help of my Israeli security friends. Watch Youtube if there'll be a fight today.

Coptic christians making
the Way of the Cross with
banners and cymbals and
drums

Yesterday morning our street was packed with orthodox pilgrims making the Way of the Cross. This is strange because the Way of the Cross was never part of Orthodox tradition but recently they have taken on our latin tradition and walk the Way just as we do. This however causes serious blockage of our streets. Last year was a total disaster - chaos and disorder as crowds fought and pushed their way. This year hundreds of police have been stationed every 10 metres of the Via Dolorosa. Groups are staggered every 10 metres, moving forward only when the group ahead moves on. This has kept alot of order and peace. But I guess the police needed to do that because it's also the last day of the Jewish Pesach. Jews going to the Wailing Wall cut across the Via Dolorosa from the 3rd Station to the 5th Station. Nobody wants a religious war erupting there. Besides it was also Friday and thousands of muslims are entering and leaving the Al Aqsa Mosque, using the same road.