Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Feature Story A Bitter Easter Passes, a Marker for Increasing Repression

A Holy Week when all denominations should have rejoiced together instead set new highs for state repression.

Feature Story Only in Jerusalem: The Zaffeh Procession and the Hajmeh Descent

The zaffeh and the hajmeh are integral to Jerusalem’s Orthodox Easter celebrations, reflecting Christianity’s ancient traditions.

Feature Story The Nusseibeh Family: Khazraj Roots That Grew and Blossomed in Jerusalem

A conversation with the Nusseibehs about their family’s centuries of history in and contributions to Jerusalem

Bio Augustine Lama

A prodigious composer and organist who served Jerusalem’s holy sites for 70 years through his music

Photo Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, ca. 1870–80

Locals, pilgrims, and tourists at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Blog Post Christians Celebrate a Sepulchral Easter in Jerusalem, with Lower Turnout than Usual

Muted and downsized, Easter services offer solace to worshippers able to reach them despite Israeli checkpoints and police.

Blog Post George Sahhar: Attending Easter in Jerusalem Is a Commitment to Preserve the City’s Living Mosaic

“Everybody will be able to come to Jerusalem from anywhere they want and celebrate in Jerusalem.”

Blog Post Holy Fire Ceremony Marred by Police Restrictions, Brutality

For the third year in a row, Israeli authorities enforced strict restrictions on participation in the Holy Saturday celebrations.

Blog Post The Holy Light: From Jerusalem to the World

The Miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem thrilled worshippers who managed to get in to see it, but thousands were blocked by new police restrictions that caused community outrage.