An AP reporter spends the night locked inside Jerusalem’s holiest church with clergy and pilgrims
Summary
An Associated Press reporter and a small group of pilgrims and clergy spent a night locked inside Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This church is one of Christianity’s holiest sites, believed to contain the places where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. The church is shared by Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Greek Orthodox churches, with a Muslim family holding the keys.Key Facts
- The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is built over the locations believed to be where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again.
- Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Greek Orthodox churches share ownership of the church.
- A Muslim family has held the keys to the church since the 13th century.
- Each night the church doors are locked from 9 p.m. until dawn by a ceremony involving representatives from the different faiths.
- During the night, only a few priests, nuns, registered pilgrims, and some cats remain inside the church.
- Pilgrims use the quiet night hours for prayer and reflection inside the large, maze-like church building.
- The experience highlights the unique religious cooperation and history surrounding the church in Jerusalem.
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