Easter Prayers Echoing Through Jerusalem's Deserted Old City
Monks hold somber Easter services in the abandoned streets of Jerusalem's historic Old City as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps visitors away.
This year, the holy sites of Jerusalem's Old City echoed with the solitary prayers of a few devoted monks rather than the usual crowds of pilgrims and tourists. Good Friday services on the Via Dolorosa, the traditional route of Christ's final journey, were held with only a handful of worshippers in attendance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The once-bustling markets and alleyways of the Old City stood eerily empty, a stark contrast to the typical Easter celebrations that draw millions of visitors from around the world. Instead, Franciscan friars and a small group of local residents solemnly made their way through the deserted streets, praying and reflecting on the religious significance of the day.
Father Francesco Patton, the Custodian of the Holy Land, led the Good Friday procession, his voice echoing off the ancient stone walls as he recited the Stations of the Cross. Typically, the Way of the Cross is a vibrant, crowded event, with thousands of pilgrims following in Christ's footsteps. This year, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of borders and the suspension of mass gatherings, leaving the hallowed ground nearly abandoned.
Source: Al Jazeera
