In this edition we’ll look at The First Church and the Immovable ladder.
The beginning of much of Christianity is linked to what locals call The Church of the Grave. Why that name? Because it’s a lot easier to pronounce than its official name - The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The structure is considered to be the first home to some 24 Christian denominations.
Please note that these churches are not the size of some European castle. In fact, some are as small as two meters wide and five meters long.
Inset: The Syrian Orthodox Church.
The building itself is managed in separate parts by six of Christianity's oldest churches under a complex tradition called the Status quo, which stems from a decree by Ottoman Sultan Osman III in the 18th century.
If there’s such a thing as a Holy Church, this would be it. On a normal Easter or Christmas morning it looks like this:
Today, because Israel is still under lockdown from the Coronavirus, the building and its courtyard are largely deserted.
To a large extent, the history of mankind is told in Jerusalem. It’s worth remembering that this city has been destroyed at least two times, attacked 52 times, besieged 23 times, and recaptured 44 times.
Each succeeding ruler has built structures and made rules for the city that have been passed on for generations.
Some stories are earth-shattering and others are just odd. This brings us to the mystery of the immovable ladder.
In this picture of the Church of the Grave, you will see a ladder, perched over the main entrance to the Building.
The so-called "immovable ladder" has been in this same spot, above the main entrance to the most sacred site in Christendom since the 1750's. It was first placed there by person or persons unknown.
After the passage of a period of time, its presence was brought to the attention of Church leaders. They could not agree on the provenance of the ladder. The rightful owner could not be verified, so a decision was made not to make a decision and the fate of the ladder placed in virtual limbo.
Why is this? Because all decisions for changes and alterations at the Church must be done with mutual consent - The Status Quo.
So, the beloved ladder has not been moved, except on two occasions during times of renovation. Then, it was dutifully placed right where it was before - under the window, above the entrance.
Today, as our photograph shows, it’s right where it has stood for more than two hundred and sixty years.
If you think this will change anytime soon, you don’t understand the meaning of the term, Status Quo, in Jerusalem.
See You Next Time,
John Q.
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