Entering the building [the Church of the Sepulchre] through the midst of the usual assemblage of beggars, one sees on his left a few Turkish guards - for Christians of different sects will not only quarrel, but fight, also, in this sacred place, if allowed to do it.
—Mark Twain: The Innocents Abroad.
All sects of Christians (except Protestants) have chapels under the roof of the Church of the Sepulchre, and each must keep to itself and not venture upon another's ground. It has been proven conclusively that they can not worship together around the grave of the leader of the World in peace.
—Ibid.
Priests of any of the chapels and denominations in the Church of the Sepulchre can visit this sacred grotto to weep and pray and worship the gentle Redeemer. Two different congregations are not allowed to enter at the same time, however, because they always fight.
—Ibid.
It's almost... comforting to know that fights at the Church of the Sepulchre are business as usual. I mean, at least things are not getting worse.
No comments:
Post a Comment