👹
Controversy over Israel's 'Christian hate crime': nun is shoved over
and repeatedly kicked in Jerusalem after fury over Jesus statue
sledgehammer attack .
THIS is the
shocking moment a defenceless nun is brutally attacked by a man in
the heart of Jerusalem.
Harrowing CCTV
footage shows the unsuspecting nun walking alone when a man suddenly
sprints towards her from behind and violently shoves her with full
force.
The nun, who
was wearing a tunic, is hurled to the floor and viciously kicked in
broad daylight.
She is seen
writhing in pain and clutching her head as the attacker walks away
then suddenly strides back towards her.
He begins to
repeatedly kick the stricken woman as she lies helplessly on the
ground.
The assault
only stops when a bystander rushes in to intervene.
The attack took
place in front of the Cenacle on Mount Zion – a deeply significant
religious site for both Christians and Jews.
Some Christians
believe Jesus held the Last Supper at this location.
Police
confirmed a suspect has now been arrested.
“The suspect,
a 36-year-old male, was identified and subsequently arrested by
police,” the force said, adding it viewed with “utmost severity”
any violent act “driven by potentially racist motives and directed
toward members of the clergy”.
Footage
released by police showed the nun visibly bruised, while the attacker
appeared to be wearing tzitzit – a garment associated with
observant Jewish men.
The Times of
Israel reported that the arrested suspect was Jewish.
The victim –
a 48-year-old nun – has been left deeply shaken by the ordeal.
Father Olivier
Poquillon said: “Yesterday, around 17.45 … she felt someone come
up behind her and throw her with full force onto a rock.
“While the
sister was on the ground, the man began to kick her repeatedly.”
He had earlier
blasted the incident as a “gratuitous assault”, describing it as
an “act of sectarian violence” and warning that “the scourge of
hatred is a common challenge”.
‘Pending the
judicial follow-up, we thank the people who came to the aid of our
sister during the attack she fell victim to, the diplomats, the
academics, and all those who provided their support,’ he wrote.
The French
Consulate in Jerusalem also issued a statement “strongly
condemning” the attack.
Israel’s
foreign ministry branded the assault a “shameful act”, insisting
the country remains committed “to safeguarding freedom of religion
and freedom of worship for all faiths”.
The Faculty of
Humanities at Hebrew University said it was not an isolated case,
warning of a “troubling pattern” of hostility towards Christians.
A European
diplomatic source echoed those fears, claiming anti-Christian abuse –
including insults and spitting at clergy – has become a daily
occurrence.
Wadie
Abunassar, coordinator of the Holy Land Christian Forum, said attacks
targeting Christians are on the rise – but warned perpetrators
often escape serious consequences.
He said he felt
“great anger on the system and great sadness because I feel that
this will not end anytime soon”.
“Many times
in such cases there are no arrests and if there are arrests,
sometimes after one or two days, [suspects] are released,” he
added.
“In some
cases, the police do not recommend the prosecution to file charges or
to indict them. And in some cases, when there is indictment, the
indictment is mild.”
Meanwhile,
authorities said those involved in the sledgehammer attack would face
disciplinary action, while efforts were underway to restore the
damaged statue.
Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the act, saying: “I
condemn the act in the strongest terms.”
♰ Happy
Pascha! The Orthodox Easter Holy Fire From Jerusalem to
The World ✨
Yes, Holy Fire has
descended at about 2:14 PM in Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
It appeared in
the edicule (the small chapel built over the burial place of Christ)
about five minutes after the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem,
Theophilos III, entered there to patiently pray and wait.
After the
Fire’s descent, the Patriarch passed the holy gift to the faithful
who lit from it their bundles of 33 candles, per the age of Christ at
the time of His Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Though the Holy
Sepulchre was closed to pilgrims for forty days from the start of the
war with Iran, it reopened on Holy Thursday, in time for the Holy
Fire and Paschal services.
The descent of
the Light was preceded by a complex ceremony: The doors of the
Sepulchre were sealed with a large wax seal as a sign that its
inspection had finished, and in it was found nothing that would allow
the Patriarch of Jerusalem to light the Fire by any ordinary means.
Shortly before
the arrival of Patriarch Theophilos, the seal was removed from the
door of the edicule, and a large lampada and 33 candles were carried
into the Tomb. Then the Patriarch entered and began to wait. Those
present continually prayed for the granting of the Fire until the
time of its appearing.
❖ The Miracle of Holy
Fire (or Holy Light) is the most important ritual in Christianity and
it happens year after year in the Tomb of Christ, inside the Church
of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
It
is an annual celebration of Christ's victory over death and Jesus
himself participates.
Thousands
of Christians throng Jerusalem for the traditional Holy Fire rite
ahead of the Orthodox Easter, despite a security clampdown in the
holy city.
Every
Orthodox Holy Saturday in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher,
thousands gather to witness a flame “miraculously” appearing in
the tomb of Jesus.
Orthodox
Christians believe it’s a potent symbol of the resurrection.
It’s
the Church's most important miracle. And it’s believed to have been
happening annually for the past 1,200 years.
The
ritual begins with the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem (or
another Orthodox archbishop), descending into the empty tomb of
Christ within the church and reciting special prayers. A non-Orthodox
Christian is also said to examine the edicule (a small structure
surrounding the tomb) to make sure no oil lamps have been left
burning inside that the patriarch could use to light his candles.
In
the crowded church above the tomb and surrounding the edicule, the
faithful chant with one voice “Kyrie eleison” (Lord, have mercy).
The wait might be long or short but eventually a light is said to
appear in the tomb where the patriarch has been praying alone. He
then lights his candles from this miraculous flame and, accompanied
by the pealing of bells, emerges to spread the fire among the crowd.
The oncedark church becomes illuminated by the miraculous Holy Fire.
It
is said that for the first several minutes the fire burns, but does
not consume. During this time, many of the faithful bathe their faces
and hands in the flame, apparently without being harmed. The flame is
passed from candle to candle and then placed in lanterns so that it
can be spread far and wide.
🌴
Hosanna (Hosa'ina) is one of the major feasts in the Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahedo Church, commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal
entry into Jerusalem.
🌴The
celebration of "Hosanna, Savior of the World" is primarily
observed on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, which commemorates
Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning
of Holy Week, transitioning from the joyful shouts of "Hosanna"
to the solemnity of the Passion.
♰
Significance of the Celebration
Meaning of
Hosanna: The term "Hosanna" is a Hebrew expression meaning
"save us now" or "please deliver us". While
originally a plea, it became a shout of praise and adoration,
acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.
The
Triumphal Entry: Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey,
fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which portrays a
righteous, victorious, yet humble king.
"Savior
of the World": The celebration highlights Jesus as the ultimate
deliverer not just from political oppression, but from sin and
death.
Palm
Branches: Waving palms represents victory, peace, and eternal life.
♰ Themes of
Reflection
Humility
vs. Pride: Jesus’ entrance on a humble donkey rather than a
warhorse symbolizes a kingdom based on peace and service rather than
power.
The
Fickleness of the Crowd: Palm Sunday highlights the irony that the
same crowd shouting "Hosanna" soon turned and cried for
his crucifixion, prompting self-reflection on faith and commitment.
A Call
for Current Salvation: Modern celebrations use "Hosanna"
as a continued prayer for salvation from modern challenges like
social conflict, war, and spiritual dryness.
Hosanna in Axum
is a vibrant Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Palm Sunday, occurring
the Sunday before Easter to mark Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It
features massive, colorful processions, specifically at the St. Mary
of Zion Church, where followers wear palm leaf headbands and deacons
distribute palm branches.
🌴 Key
Aspects of the Celebration:
Location:
The celebration is famously observed at St. Mary of Zion Church in
Axum.
Traditions:
Participants wear rings and headbands made of palm leaves,
symbolizing the branches laid before Jesus.
Procession:
The event includes colorful, long-running processions filled with
chanting and joyous praise, typically in late March or April.
Significance:
It serves as the start of Holy Week, with pilgrims and locals
gathering to honor the event with immense faith.
Although recent
years have seen smaller turnouts due to regional instability, the
celebration remains a vital, peaceful, and deeply traditional event
in the city.
♰ Medhane
Alem (Holy Savior of the World)
Adi Kesho
Rock-hewn Church, 4th
Century.– Tigray, Ethiopia
♰ Medhane
Alem Adi Kesho (Holy Savior Church at Adi Kesho) in the Tigray region
of Ethiopia.
♰ Key
details about the church:
Location:
Tigray Region, Gheralta area.
Significance:
It is considered one of Tigray's oldest and finest rock-hewn
churches.
Architecture:
It features a unique decorated narthex, six huge square pillars
supporting the ceiling, and intricate reliefs and geometrical
patterns.
History:
The church is often described as having an immense height and
massive pillars, bearing a resemblance to a cathedral.
Medhane Alem
Adi Kesho is one of Tigray's oldest and most remarkable rock-hewn
churches, estimated to date 4th century. Located approximately 6
kilometers off the gravel road from the Wukro to Adigrat highway near
the small town of Tekatesfay, this church is renowned for its
architectural and historical significance.
An unusual
feature of Medhane Alem Adi Kesho is the beautifully decorated
narthex connecting the northern and southern ends of the church. Two
doors lead to the interior, where the ceiling is supported by six
massive square pillars. The ceiling is adorned with reliefs and
geometrical patterns, and due to its immense height and substantial
pillars, the church resembles a cathedral. Engravings on the walls
include a croix patêe on the right side of the back wall.
The church's
exterior and interior walls are roughly hewn, and it features a
unique mechanism for unlocking the doors from both inside and
outside. Inside, different pillars carved out of the rock are stained
with honey and milk, stemming from local tradition that deems the
church itself to have healing powers. When people are sick, they
consume milk or honey off the church’s columns.
Surrounded by a
variety of indigenous plants, the area remains lush and vibrant,
adding to the church's serene atmosphere. Visitors often note that
the journey to reach the site offers an enjoyable walk with stunning
views, making the visit to this unique church an unforgettable
experience.
Overall,
Medhane Alem Adi Kesho stands as a testament to Ethiopia's rich
religious heritage and architectural ingenuity, offering insight into
the country's historical devotion and cultural practices.
Miskaye Hizunan
Medhane Alem Monastery in Addis Ababa is
a prominent
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church institution, known as a
significant training center for clergy, monks, and youth, often
hosting thousands of Sunday school students. It is a renowned
monastery located in the capital, often associated with training.
Role:
Known as a key training center for priests, monks, and Sunday school
students.
Location:
Situated within the Addis Ababa region.
Significance:
Serves as a major monastery church with a large congregation of
young people, hosting over 12,000 Sunday school students (males and
females).
"Miskaye
Hizunan" is of Ethiopian origin. The meaning of "Miskaye
Hizunan" is a shelter for the afflicted , which is known as
"Yehazentegnoch Metteleya" (የሐዘንተኞች
መጠለያ) in Amharic language.
🔥
Iranian missile explodes near Jerusalem’s unholy sites
An Iranian
missile blew a crater in Jerusalem’s historic Old City near the
Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The projectile
smashed into a hillside just inside the fortified walls of the
ancient city, leaving debris strewn across the streets a few hundred
metres from the religious sites.
Israeli
officials said that the impact was caused by an Iranian missile, not
a fragment from an interceptor.
“The Iranian
attack on the holy sites sacred to all three religions reveals the
madness of the Iranian regime, which claims to be religious,”
Israel’s foreign ministry wrote on X, calling it an “Iranian
gift” for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
A later
statement from the Israeli police said that the “warhead that
fell... contained dozens of kilogrammes of explosives”.
Air raid sirens
rang out repeatedly across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Friday. At least
two people were injured near Tel Aviv.
