Friday of Holy Week--Good Friday in Jerusalem
We began the day by attending the Ecumenical Way of the Cross.  Together with Lutherans and Methodists and Anglicans of all description (about 200 of us), we sang, chanted and prayed our way through the traditional stations of the cross down the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem.  At one point we converged with three other groups who were also doing the Stations of the Cross--what a chorus it was, and in at least 4 languages!  Then, after a late breakfast, we sat for an hour sharing perspectives on the passion--a very rich conversation indeed.  At noon we a Veneration of the Cross service at Saint George's Cathedral, with Holy Communion from the Reserve Sacrament.  Then, after lunch, we attended the Solemn Burial Service at the Armenian Cathedral--again, lots of very good chanting and lots of incense, and lots of processing.  The Armenians really know how to be ceremonial!  Between Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday observances, we finished the day having attended 8 Holy Week Liturgies.