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Israeli police wary of Christian violence
Police on Friday drastically cut the number of worshippers to be allowed at an Orthodox Easter ceremony Saturday, seeking to prevent a repeat of last year's violence among Christian groups. Attendance Saturday will be limited to just a few hundred - compared to some 10,000 in past years - because Greek Orthodox and Armenian clergy failed to settle a dispute over who should lead the ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, police said Friday. Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrated Easter last Sunday. At last year's ceremony, Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests exchanged blows.
| Ohfergawdsake! It's something in the water there, isn't it? |
At Saturday service, known as the Holy Fire ceremony, flaming candles will be passed quickly through a crowd during the ceremony, and Israeli says any tension at the Holy Fire ceremony could constitute a danger to public safety. The church has only one exit.
| So try not to set fire to anybody, okay? |
The Holy Fire ceremony has been observed by Eastern Orthodox churches for several centuries. It is meant to assure the worshippers that Jesus has not forgotten them and is sending a message of hope through the fire.
| ... and the clerical fistfights. |
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-04-26 |
