Jerusalem: Via Dolorosa – Stations of the Cross

Region: Hill Country of Judah Site Summary: The Via Dolorosa (“way of the cross”) is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It begins in the Muslim Quarter and finishes in the Christian Quarter. The Via Dolorosa preserves the Catholic traditional route Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. There are 14 stations of the cross, with the final five inside the Holy Sepulcher Church. Archaeologically, the evidence suggests that Jesus was sentenced to be crucified not at the Antonio Fortress but at Herod’s palace inside Jaffa Gate today. The lithostrotos (“stone pavement” – Jn. 19) at the Antonio Fortress (specifically visible at the lower levels of the Sisters of Zion convent) dates to the 2nd Century AD, while the stone pavement at Herod’s palace is 1st Century AD. Biblical references

• John 19:6-18 Biblical characters connected with this site:

• Jesus, His disciples, Caiaphas & priestly officials, Romans What is there to see & experience here?

• Station 1: Judgment in the Praetorium (courtyard of the Umariyah School); Station 2: Flagellation & Receiving the Cross (Church of the Flagellation); Station 3: The First Fall (tradition of the Polish Catholic Church); Station 4: Jesus Meets His Mother (Armenian Catholic Church); Station 5: Simon of Cyrene Takes the Cross; Station 6: Veronica Wipes His Face; Station 7: The Second Fall; Station 8: Weeping over the Daughters of Jerusalem (Chapel of Saint Haralampos); Station 9: The Third Fall (Ethiopian Coptic Church); Station 10-14: Garments Stripped, Crucified, Setting of the Cross in Place, the Body Removed, Jesus Laid in the Tomb (all inside the Holy Sepulcher). Treasure thought & personal “take away”

• Jesus’ willingness to endure the cross surpasses all comprehension. He walked the “way of the cross” with a submissive heart to the will of His Father (Phil. 2:8). Take time to reflect with a grateful heart on the passion of Christ.