JERUSALEM (AP) — Christians celebrated Easter on Sunday across the Middle East, where many are struggling to maintain their embattled communities in the face of war, religious violence and discrimination.
Thousands of worshippers flocked to Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected.
This year the holiday was celebrated on the same day by both Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox worshippers. The denominations, which jealously guard different sections of the church, held separate services one after another.
The church is located in Jerusalem’s Old City. Worshippers lined up to admire the edicule, the chamber that tradition says marks Jesus’ tomb. A Greek restoration team recently completed a historic renovation of the spot.
The limestone and marble structure stands at the center of the church — a 12th-century building standing on 4th-century remains. The shrine needed urgent attention after years of exposure to water, humidity and candle smoke.
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