Free Republic

Christian leaders today took the rare step of closing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, in protest of Israeli tax measures and a proposed property law. The decision was made in protest against the bill, which is expected to be discussed today by the Ministerial Committee on Legislation, allowing the State to expropriate land that the churches have sold since 2010, as well as to protest the Municipality's intention to collect municipal property taxes. "We are following with concern the systematic campaign against the churches and the Christian community in the Holy Land, in flagrant violation of the...

JERUSALEM (AP) — Christian officials have launched historic restoration work at the Tomb of Jesus inside the Church of Holy Sepulcher, site where tradition holds Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

30/04/2005 HOLY FIRE DESCENDS ON HOLY SEPULCHER JERUSALEM, April 30 (RIA Novosti, Olga Lipich) - The Holy Fire has descended on the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. It miraculously lit, as it does every Holy Saturday, in the tomb chamber, where the Body of the Savior was put after deposition from the Cross. Irenaeus the Patriarch of Jerusalem was alone in the chamber at the instant of the miracle. Flashes of light occasionally glowed in the Holy Sepulcher during public prayer for the Blessed Fire. Many candles in the congregation's hands mysteriously lit of themselves the instant the Patriarch emerged from...

Greek Orthodox, Franciscan priests brawl over opening of door in Jerusalem basilica By Ramit Plushnick-Masti ASSOCIATED PRESS 6:56 a.m. September 27, 2004 JERUSALEM – Greek Orthodox and Franciscan priests got into a fist fight Monday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Christianity's holiest shrine, after arguing over whether a door in the basilica should be closed during a procession. Dozens of people, including several Israeli police officers, were slightly hurt in the brawl at the shrine, built over the spot where tradition says Jesus was crucified and buried. Four priests were detained, police spokesman Shmulik Ben-Ruby said. Custody of...