A Video Tour inside The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Summary

In this video, the founder of JerusalemExperience.com, Aan Frankl, takes viewers on a tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of the earliest and most significant Christian sites in the world. The journey explores key locations within the church, including the Stone of Anointing, the Tomb of Jesus, and various chapels that mark pivotal moments from the Passion of Christ. The video also highlights archaeological findings that support the authenticity of the church as the site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial, offering a deep dive into both historical and spiritual significance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most significant Christian sites in the world, located in the Old City of Jerusalem.
• 😀 The church contains important sites marking the events of Jesus' crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
• 😀 The Stone of Anointing is where Jesus' body was prepared for burial after being taken down from the cross.
• 😀 The Chapel of the Three Marys commemorates the three women who witnessed the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.
• 😀 The Coptic Chapel houses a stone that is believed to be part of Jesus' actual tomb, with the tomb itself covered by marble inside the edicule.
• 😀 The Chapel of the Syrians has been a point of conflict between Syrians and Armenians but remains an important site for the Syrian Orthodox Church.
• 😀 The Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea was discovered in the area and provides confirmation that this was a burial site during Jesus' time.
• 😀 The Chapel of Mary Magdalene marks the place where Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Jesus after His resurrection.
• 😀 The Franciscan Chapel of the Apparition of Jesus to His mother is located next to the Chapel of Mary Magdalene, commemorating an apocryphal event from Jesus' resurrection.
• 😀 Golgotha, the site of Jesus' crucifixion, contains a visible crack in the rock, believed by early Christians to have been caused by an earthquake at the moment of His death, symbolizing His redemptive power.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Christianity?

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is considered one of the holiest sites in Christianity. It is believed to be the location of both the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, making it a central pilgrimage destination for Christians around the world.

Who is Philip Duban and why is his tomb located at the entrance of the church?

Philip Duban was a tutor to young King Henry III and a signer of the Magna Carta. He was deeply committed to the cause of the Holy Land. His tomb is located at the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, though it is now sheltered with a wooden cover.

What is the Stone of Anointing and what is its significance?

The Stone of Anointing is where the body of Jesus is believed to have been prepared for burial after being taken down from the cross. This site commemorates the anointing of Jesus's body before it was laid in the tomb.

What event does the Chapel of the Three Marys commemorate?

The Chapel of the Three Marys marks the location where, according to the gospels, Mary, Jesus's mother, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the wife of Cleopas stood and watched Jesus’s crucifixion and burial.

Why is the Chapel of the Syrians significant, and what historical conflict is associated with it?

The Chapel of the Syrians commemorates the conflict between the Syrians and the Armenians over ownership of the room. This conflict led to the degradation of the chapel. The Syrian Orthodox Church still celebrates mass in this room every Sunday.

How does the discovery of the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea contribute to the authenticity of the church’s location?

The discovery of the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, located near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, supports the authenticity of the site as it confirms that this area was used as a burial site during the time of Jesus.

What is the significance of the Chapel of Mary Magdalene?

The Chapel of Mary Magdalene commemorates the moment when Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Jesus after His resurrection. According to the gospel narrative, she was told not to touch Him as He had not yet ascended to the Father.

What does the Chapel of St. Linus mark, and what was his role in the crucifixion narrative?

The Chapel of St. Linus is dedicated to the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus's side with a lance, from which blood and water immediately flowed. His act led him to recognize Jesus as the Son of God, a key moment in the passion narrative.

What is the significance of the rock of Golgotha within the church?

The rock of Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, holds deep significance as it is the site where Jesus's death is believed to have occurred. Pilgrims often kneel and touch the rock, which is thought to be the exact location of the crucifixion.

What is the meaning of the crack in the rock of Golgotha, and what tradition is associated with it?

The crack in the rock of Golgotha is traditionally believed to have occurred during the earthquake at the moment of Jesus's death. According to early Christian tradition, the crack allowed Jesus's blood to fall upon Adam, thus redeeming him and symbolizing the salvation of mankind.