Originally part of the 12th century Crusader structure, the Catholicon makes up the main body of the basilica opposite the Tomb of Jesus. Containing the Iconostasis, a lavishly decorated partition that separates the altar from the congregation, the whole area stands beneath a dome that marks what many Christians believe to be the center of the world.
Slightly to the northeast of the Rotunda is the Altar of Mary Magdalene. Said to mark the garden originally surrounding the tomb, it was here the risen Christ appeared for the first time, to Mary Magdalene as she stood weeping.
Next to this altar is the Church of the Apparition of Jesus to his Mother. Unmentioned by the Gospels a time-honored tradition holds that Jesus also appeared to His mother, Mary – and a pleasant Franciscan church preserves the memory.
*Jesus saith unto her, Woman why weepest thou? Whom sleekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren and say unto them, I ascend to my Father, and to your Father.
John 20:15-17
The Gospels and the book of Acts record eleven times that Jesus appeared following His resurrection. Tradition says that His first appearance before the disciples was on Mount Zion (pages 128/9) and for generations a Crusader chapel below the Cenacle recalled the Apparition of the Risen Christ.
Described by John this was on Sunday night in Jerusalem, “where the disciples were assembled … came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. And the disciple were glad, when they saw the Lord”, John 20:19-20.
The disciple Thomas was not with them that evening, and he was only to see the risen Christ eight days later when his doubts were overcome by the evidence of his physical senses.
For generations the custodianship of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher has been divided between the five Christian communities: Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Copts and Syrian Orthodox. Ethiopian monks have cells and a chapel in the old Crusader refectory alongside the church.
This page is part of the book The Holy Land of Jesus
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