[oraltyrap]

I'm going to be in Jerusalem over Pentecost and I was wondering if anyone knew if it is possible to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on May 23. I've been looking all over the internet for some sort of tourist information but can't find anything. Anyone know?

[Bigroza]

The Holy Sepulchre is open every day from early morning until evening. You may have to wait in line. I was there at a time of little tourism and was able to go in and out without lines. Also, there were few people in church on Sunday morning at that time. Be advised that several groups share the space. The Greek Orthodox are in the main part of the church--look for the iconostasis and Greek letters.

On Sundays, there's a bit of competitive chanting going on. The Coptic liturgy starts earlier than the Greek, and the Armenian starts while the Greek liturgy is going on. Sometimes, the Latins will come in with the organ. So, expect chaos. Also expect that, if you are communing, even as an Orthodox you may have difficulty because of a possible language barrier. Those who are not Greek or Russian can have a difficult time getting to and into the Orthodox sites in the Holy Land, unfortunately. If any powers that be are reading, I am completely available to head up a pilgrim office for English speakers.

[eropiereetuekm]

Wow, thanks for the reply, I didn't think I'd get any replies!

So it sounds like its an ecumenical circus on Sundays and I can imagine that it'll be a circus x10 on a feast day.

I'm trying to figure out when the liturgies start. I found one website that lists them but their all in the ealry, early, morning like 3:30 or later in the evening.

[Cyzkrahu]

As I recall, I was there in October and the Sunday liturgy for the Orthodox was at 9, I think--well-it was probably matins and liturgy.

If you get there by 8 on a Sunday morning, you'll be able to get through lines, venerate the holy places (the Anointing Stone right inside the door, Golgotha up the stairs to the right, and the Holy Sepulchre itself to the left) and have time to get to the Katholikon (Greek church) opposite the edicule of the sepulchre for liturgy. It's well worth snooping around the whole building. There is much to see.