Pilgrimsfriend
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THE VIA DOLOROSAChristian pilgrims from all over the world travel to the Old City of Jerusalem to follow in the footsteps of Jesus by walking from the judgement hall in the Muslim Quarter to Golgotha in the Christian Quarter. The Fourteen Stations of the Cross along the Way of Sorrows commemorate different events on the route taken by Jesus. The First Station is at the Umariyah School, 300m from the Lions' Gate in the Muslim Quarter. This is the site where Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to death. The Second Station is across the road and is known as the Sanctuary of the Flagellation and the Condemnation. The Church of the Condemnation is on the left of the courtyard. It is here that Pilate sentenced Jesus to crucifixion and washed his hands of the decision. On the right is the Church of the Flagellation, the spot where Jesus was given a crown of thorns, mocked and beaten.
Next door, on the same side of the Via Dolorosa, is the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. Under the Convent is a well preserved pavement known as the Litostratos, (Pavement of Justice, referred to in John 19:13). The marks on the stones include a well known game that was played by the Roman soldiers while Jesus wat tried. The same pavement can also be seen at the Church of Condemnation. The Third and Fourth Stations are at the junction with Al-Wad Road. The door to the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate is on the left.
The Third Station, where Jesus fell for the first time under the weight of the cross, is marked by a small Polish chapel to the left of this door. It is marked "III Statio" A relief depicts Jesus kneeling beneath the cross. The Fourth Station is a few meters further, on the left.
It is believed to be the site where Jesus saw his mother along the road. Look carefully for a small chapel with light blue iron doors. A relief can be spotted at the back. Pilgrims can also visit the Armenian Church of Our Lady of the Spasm where the event of the Fourth Station is also commemorated. Down in the crypt one can see the outline of a pair of sandals, believed to be the footprints of Mary.
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