Easter in the shadow of the war: celebrations of the cross in Rome and Jerusalem

Easter in the shadow of the war: celebrations of the cross in Rome and Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Israel - On Good Friday, hundreds of Christians from different denominations gathered in Jerusalem to walk through the old town. These processions that take place along Via Dolorosa lead past the 14 stations of Jesus' suffering. This year the number of participants was lower than in previous years due to the war, which did not reduce the importance of the celebrations. The impressive picture of people who pull through the narrow streets with artistically decorated crosses remains unforgettable. The procession began with Ethiopian Christians, followed by the Greek Orthodox community, Latin Catholics and Franciscans as well as the Arabic speaking Jerusalem Catholics. The Israeli police ensured the safety along the path that ended at the Grabeskirche.

in Rome, thousands of Catholics commit the traditional Way of the Cross on the Colosseum every year, which is not managed by the Pope this year. Pope Francis had recently survived a hospital due to severe pneumonia and his participation in the Easter celebrations was initially uncertain. The Way of the Cross began at 9:15 p.m., which is traditionally considered the longest liturgy of Holy Week. The cardinal led Good Friday liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica at 5 p.m. Even if the Pope did not take part in the celebration, prayers were intended for the victims of violence and war and for sexually abused children and adolescents as part of the liturgy.

Way of the cross of hope and shame

The Way of the Cross in Rome is considered a moment of reflection and faith by many believers. Mediations written by Anne-Marie Pelletier address the suffering of refugees and others persecuted. Pope Francis, even if he was not present himself, emphasized the shame about the acts of violence committed in the world in previous events and spoke of hope for God's mercy.

The ancient amphitheater in which the Way of the Cross takes place was dressed due to restoration work. This symbolic environment increases the importance of the event for numerous pilgrims that have come from different parts of the world. As of today, a wooden cross is worn on the Palatine hill, which is accompanied by believers from Egypt, Portugal and Colombia.

units of the celebrations

In Jerusalem, many believers moved to the final highlight of the celebrations, the cross from the cross on Good Friday and the burial, in which a wooden Jesus figure is removed from the cross and carried to the grave. The liturgy of the "Holy Fire", which is over 1,200 years old, takes place on Holy Saturday. This is considered the highlight of the Eastern Church celebrations, in which a flame on the chapel worshiped as the grave of Christ is inflamed. This year both the western and Eastern Churches celebrate Easter on the same date, which underlines the unity of the Christian community.

The celebrations in Israel attract around 130,000 visitors this year who want to experience both the Jewish Pessach and Christian Easter in Jerusalem. During the entire celebrations, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ is remembered, which is a time of reflection and faith for many believers.