Photo: Yusef Daher/WCC
Jerusalem Palm Sunday
Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem participate in a Palm Sunday procession.
The Patriarchs and heads of local churches in Jerusalem offered an Easter message to the world that celebrates the resurrection as well as unity in Christ.
“The message of Easter, which was first announced in Jerusalem, and has echoed down the centuries, now resounds again in Jerusalem, the city of the Resurrection,” reads the message.
This year, the Patriarchs and church leaders in Jerusalem witnessed the restoration of the Holy Aedicule in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, two centuries after the last renovation, and almost one hundred years after steel girders were installed to support it.
“The completion of this challenging work is testament to the support from around the globe involved in the project, and to thank them for their prayers and support,” states the message.
The message describes a service that was held to celebrate the unveiling of the restored Holy Aedicule as “a testimony to our spirit of Ecumenism and a celebration of our unity in Christ.”
The message also reflects that the history of Jerusalem, and particularly of the Holy Sepulchre, is a constant reminder for the whole world that in Jerusalem the Resurrection was proclaimed for all people and for all time.
“It is our prayer that the hope established through our risen Lord will enlighten the leaders and nations of the whole world to see this light, and to perceive new opportunities to work and strive for the common good and recognize all as created equal before God,” reads the message. “This light of Christ draws the whole human family towards justice, reconciliation and peace, and to pursue it diligently.”
Easter Message of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem