Between the Status Quo and Shared Existence

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a multi-cultural space operating according to the Status Quo while also underlining shared existence.  On the tour, examine the Church as a reflection of the situation of Christians in the city and hear different perspectives on topics connected to the site: interdenominational relations, the State vis-a-vis different communities in Jerusalem, and the development of the application of the Status Quo through the years.

Learn about real estate in the complex of hotels near the Jaffa Gate and the impact of real estate transactions on the city’s churches.  In St. James Chapel that serves the local Palestinian community and has undergone extensive restoration, understand the relationship between the community and the religious leadership. Continue with a discussion about the church’s relations with the authorities in Israel – both at the national and municipal level – including the topics of taxation and property tax. Understand the delicate status of Deir al-Sultan and Israel’s responsibility for preserving the Status Quo, in light of the growing Russian involvement in the status of Alexander’s Courtyard. Study the struggles in the 1990’s in the area of Muristan and their influence on the Greek Orthodox Patriarchy.

Type of Continuing Education Session: Urban tour
Language of Continuing Education Session:  English
Meeting Point: Tower of David Jerusalem Museum
Route: Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Deir al-Sultan, Alexander Nevsky Church, Latin Patriarchy, Hostel of the Order of St. John, St. Anthony Coptic Monastery.

Continuing Education Session Schedule:

9:00am – Jaffa Gate, Greek Orthodox Patriarch hotels
9:45am – Church of the Holy Sepulcher
11:00am – St. James Chapel (Church of the Holy Sepulcher)
11:20am – Deir al-Sultan (Church of the Holy Sepulcher)
12:00pm – Coptic Monastery (Church of the Holy Sepulcher)
12:30pm – Lunch break
1:00pm – Alexander Nevsky Church
2:00pm – Latin Patriarchy
3:00pm  – Conclusion

Additional information/special gear: Bring food and water for the entire day. Wear modest clothing including long pants and covered shoulders for both men and women. Weapons are not allowed!

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the session.

Continuing Education Session is for licensed, Ministry of Tourism tour guides | Registration is limited to one ticket per person | Continuing Education Session is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism for license renewal