I remember when we were at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and as we walked out of that small back area where the burial crypts were, we passed a Coptic monk who was shouting angrily, almost violently, at a woman "no pictures!" and then charging at her screaming "I said NO PICTURES" again. She rushed away and he turned back, in a huff, to go back inside his little chapel. I was grieved by the irony of that scene - the explosive anger at the site where we remember Jesus graciously giving up his life for those who hated him.
I mourn as I contrast that event, and today's news, with what Peter wrote to all of us who would follow Christ:
1 Peter 2: 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 "He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 25 For "you were like sheep going astray," but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Lord Jesus, please forgive us.---
News Story:
Rival Clergy Clash at Jerusalem's Holy Sepulcher Church
By Robert Berger
Jerusalem
10 November 2008
Rival clergy have clashed at a historic church in Jerusalem's Old City. Robert Berger reports from the VOA bureau in Jerusalem.
Armenian and Greek Orthodox monks scuffle at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem, 09 Nov 2008
Armenian and Greek Orthodox monks shoved, scratched and traded blows at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - a shrine revered as the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
The clash erupted during a procession of Armenian clergymen marking the 4th century discovery of the cross on which Jesus is believed to have been crucified.
Fearing that their own claims to the ancient sepulcher would be undermined, the Greek monks demanded that one of their clergy be present in the ancient tomb during the march. The Armenian monks refused, and when they tried to march, Greek Orthodox monks blocked their way, sparking the brawl.
Each side blames the other for the violence. This Greek Orthodox priest says his side did what was necessary to protect its rights.
"We protested peacefully," he said. "We tried our best not to use violence."
Armenian clergyman Fakrad Barjekian sees things differently.
"The Greeks attacked the Armenians and they responded," he told Israel Television.
Israeli police rushed into the church and eventually restored order.
The clash underscores centuries of hostility between six feuding denomination's at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. For instance, a ladder placed on a ledge over the entrance in the 19th century has remained there ever since because of a dispute over who has the authority to take it down. Because of disagreement among Christians, a Muslim family holds the key to the holiest place in Christianity.
