The Good Friday procession in the early morning, at the By using Dolorosa at Jerusalem Old-metropolis, March 29, 2024. (Image: Screenshot)

Amid the tumult of the existing war in the Gaza Strip, a poignant and timeless custom unfolds in the historical streets of Jerusalem’s Old City: The humble observance of Fantastic Friday by Christian Catholic pilgrims and clergy associates continues even for the duration of the tragic calendar year of 2024.

Hundreds solemnly traverse the By way of Dolorosa toward the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, some carrying wood crosses, amid echoing chants and hymns, commemorating the sufferings of Christ, in a ritual aligned with the Catholic calendar.

The By way of Dolorosa, a spiritual route within just Jerusalem’s aged metropolis, marks Jesus’s route to the cross immediately after judgment by Pontius Pilate. Although the authenticity of its historic place is debated, its importance as an ancient tradition stays unquestionable.

According to the Catholic calendar, the Holy Week commenced this yr on Palm Sunday, March 24 and ends on Easter Sunday, March 31, with Good Friday getting celebrated today. The Orthodox Church, making use of the outdated Julian calendar, observes Holy Friday (Great Friday) May 3, with Easter slipping on Sunday, May well 5.

This year, the Christian Fantastic Friday and the Jewish holiday getaway of Passover (Pesach) do not coincide, like they occasionally do, because of to the “transitional yr” or “Ibbur Shana” inserted in the Jewish calendar to preserve it constant.

In Jewish regulation, this is a leap yr in which means a next thirty day period of Adar is added. The Hebrew calendar is primarily based on the moon cycle and the transition of the year is designed to adapt it to the seasons that rely on the cycle of the sunlight. The Jewish Passover this yr will be on April 22 – 29.

The Excellent Friday pilgrimage serves as a tangible embodiment of devotion and remembrance. The importance of this day is magnified against the backdrop of conflict, as prayers are provided for peace amidst the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization. Amid the bordering turmoil, times of prayer and reflection punctuate the procession.

Together the route of the By means of Dolorosa of Jerusalem’s previous metropolis, the pilgrims pause at each individual of the 14 stations, participating in rituals that commemorate the situations of Christ’s 1st sufferings and to his crucifixion.

The Great Friday procession in the early morning, at the By means of Dolorosa at Jerusalem Old-metropolis, March 29, 2024. (Photo: Screenshot)

From the somber confines of the Advanced of the Flagellation, exactly where Jesus faced condemnation, to the poignant encounters with Mary, Veronica, and the Cyrenean, the pilgrimage unfolds as a poignant tableau of religion and resilience.

Finally, the journey culminates at the revered Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in which Catholics and Orthodox Christians (and even some Protestants) imagine Jesus was entombed right before his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Below, in the hallowed precincts of the historic basilica, the Way of the Cross concludes with a benediction bestowed by the Custos of the Holy Land, a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of this pilgrimage.

At dusk, a particular liturgy in the basilica reenacts Jesus’ funeral procession, preserving ancient burial customs — this is a solemn prelude to the joyful Easter Vigil and the guarantee of resurrection.

The Fantastic Friday in Jerusalem is scheduled in the next way: The celebration of the Enthusiasm of Christ on Calvary in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre starts at 7:15 am. The procession of the Way of the Cross at the Via Dolorosa with the Franciscan Fathers begins at 12:15 pm. The “Funeral Procession” in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre at 8:10 pm.

Finally, there is a Good Friday meditative provider (in English) at the Backyard Tomb for Protestants and other reformed churches and denominations.

Related posts:

Different kinds of fasting: Ramadan, Purim and Lent Global Shema prayer at Western Wall in Jerusalem for hostages, soldiers draws thousands Vanderbilt University suspends anti-Zionist protesters after building takeover, multiple arrests made [VIDEO] We Are Witnesses – Kibbutz Be’eri » Kehila News Israel