Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The pilgrimage team made an early morning visit to The Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is truly the centerpiece of the Old Jerusalem.  This church which houses many denominations is quite an amazing structure which is the site where Golgotha was, where Jesus was crucified as well as the place where he was entombed.

That little black square lower left is the entrance.

This is the main dome from the inside looking up from the tomb.

This picture shows the area around the tomb - which is the structure in the middle - the are is filled with people with candles.

This is the structure over where the tomb was to have been.

This narrow staircase leads up to the area where Golgotha was

- where Jesus was hanged.

This picture above and the one below are of the place where Golgotha was. 

In another area, you find a large , rectangular, marble slab where Jesus was prepared for burial.

Even from a distance, you can smell the fragrant perfume of oils that people pour on the stone. People kneel to pray at this stone. 

The mosaic, with the gold, above the stone, is my favorite thing in all Jerusalem.  The scene of Jesus being prepared for burial is beautiful and touching.  My favorite part is in the blue circle above Jesus - there are three angels who are weeping.  There are other angels in the corners who actually have tissues held to their eyes.

Jay sent me this picture below: