Israel ◦ Jerusalem | The Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus took while bearing the cross.

by YU-LING

最後更新/Last Updated:2023-12-04

The Via Dolorosa, the path that Jesus walked while carrying the cross, ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is widely believed to be the Golgotha where Jesus was crucified before his resurrection, a theory supported by archaeological evidence. National Geographic's documentary, "Secrets of the Holy Sepulchre," meticulously explores and reveals these historical details, making it a worthwhile watch.

◦ Via Dolorosa

Initially established in the 14th century by the Franciscan Order as a pilgrimage route, the Via Dolorosa aimed to facilitate the management of pilgrims arriving from Europe. In the 16th century, Jan Pascha and Christian van Adrichom wrote significant works on the Via Dolorosa, introducing the concept of the "14 Stations" associated with the route. Their influential writings prompted pilgrims to request the Franciscan Order to modify the route, making the Church of the Holy Sepulchre the final station due to its profound significance.

 ◦ The 14 Stations of the Via Dolorosa
01|Jesus is sentenced to death

After Jesus had partaken in the Passover supper, he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to spend the night in prayer. Judas, one of Jesus' disciples who betrayed Him, arrived with Roman soldiers to arrest Jesus. Consequently, he was taken away for trial.

02|Jesus takes up the cross after being scourged

Presently, the Church of the Condemnation and Imposition of the Cross, as well as the Church of Flagellation, are the places associated with Jesus being scourged and bearing the cross.

03|The place of Jesus' first fall

The third station is closely connected to the fourth station. The sculpture at the entrance depicts Jesus falling to the ground under the weight of the heavy cross.

04|Jesus meets his mother Mary

Mary was deeply distressed upon seeing Jesus in such a condition. At this station, Jesus also entrusted His mother to the disciple John.

05|Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

Simon of Cyrene happened to pass by and helped Jesus carry the cross.

06|Veronica wipes the blood and sweat from Jesus' face

According to Catholic scripture, Veronica wiped the sweat and blood from Jesus' face here. It is said that her handkerchief retained the imprint of Jesus as a result.

 07|Jesus falls for the second time

The location where Jesus fell for the second time is now the site of the Saint Francis Chapel.

 08|Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem

Many women who followed Jesus wailed loudly at the eighth station. It was at this point that Jesus prophesied the impending calamities that would unfold in the future.

09|Jesus falls for the third time

Having ascended the stairs, one arrives at the place where Jesus fell for the third time, which is now an Eastern Orthodox church.

 10|Soldiers take Jesus' clothes

The Tenth Station is situated at the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is where the Roman soldiers removed Jesus' garments. From the Tenth Station to the Fourteenth Station, there are no more "stations" with signs; the remaining stations are all located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

11|Jesus is nailed to the cross

As Golgotha is a hill, the location for crucifixion is elevated. Upon entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, turn right and ascend the stairs to reach the Eleventh Station.

12|Jesus dies on the cross

The twelfth station is the site of the Cross, which currently houses the Greek Orthodox Chapel of the Holy Cross.

 13|Jesus is taken down from the cross

After Jesus' body was taken down from the cross, it was laid on the Stone of Anointing. Many pilgrims come here to pay their respects to this stone.

14|Jesus is laid in the tomb

The final destination is the tomb of Jesus. Typically, there is a long queue, and each person is allowed no more than one minute. The priests at the entrance not only remind visitors that photography is not allowed inside, but they also enforce entry and exit regulations.

◦ Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Similar to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre maintains Eastern Orthodox decorations and worship practices. However, in contrast to the festive atmosphere of the Church of the Nativity, the ambiance here is somber and solemn. People immerse themselves in the experience of Jesus' suffering and pain.

Opening Hours

Via Dolorosa: 24/7
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Summer hours: 05:00-21:00 
Winter hours: 04:00-19:00

➤ Read More
◦ The Video of Via Dolorosa

2 留言

Kelly Bedoni 2023-12-02 - 10:41

Good way of explaining, and pleasant paragraph to obtain facts concerning
my presentation focus, which i am going to convey in school.

回覆
YU-LING 2023-12-04 - 09:10

I’m glad to know that this article has been helpful to you!

回覆

LEAVE COMMENTS

EXTENDED READING