Friday, April 14, 2017

Church of All Nations- Israel Pilgrimage

 This Good Friday has my reflections 
centered in Jerusalem.
In the Garden of Gethsemane
 is the Church of All Nations.


The Church of All Nations, 
standing near the foot of the Mount of Olives
 in Jerusalem, is built over the rock on which Jesus 
is believed to have prayed
 in agony the night before he was crucified.
The church and the adjacent Garden of Gethsemane,
with its eight ancient olive trees, 
provide an evocative place for meditation, 
especially when visited at night.
The church is also known as the Basilica of the Agony. 
Completed in 1924, it is the third church on the site.
Its design blends the façade of a typically Roman basilica
 with a roof of 12 small domes that suggest an Eastern character. 
Will you watch and pray with me?
Oh, Father, if it be your will.
The rock over which Jesus 
might have prayed in the Garden.
Protected here in the church for others to see.

The Betrayal with a kiss.
Beautiful ceiling.

Stained glass window.

Exterior of Church of All Nations-
named this-
 because so many nations
 helped to pay for this building.
The richly-coloured triangular mosaic 
at the top of the façade 
makes it a Jerusalem landmark.


The view from the courtyard.
Oh Jerusalem, Oh Jerusalem.

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