Thousands of Christian Pilgrims Flock to Jerusalem for Good Friday

At the Montreal Gazette, "Christian Pilgrims Flock to Holy City for Good Friday":

Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world thronged the narrow cobblestone alleys of Jerusalem’s Old City to pray along the route tradition holds Jesus took to his crucifixion on Good Friday.

"For me this is a very special visit, this is the first time for me here," said Andrea Schroetter, a pilgrim from Germany. "We prayed in all the places where Jesus marched, it is very moving," she said.

As part of the Good Friday ceremonies, the faithful descend onto the Old City to walk the Via Dolorosa, or Way of Suffering, the route tradition says Jesus carried the cross on which he was to be crucified by the Romans.

The procession begins at the Monastery of Flagellation, where Jesus was beaten, mocked and crowned with thorns.

It follows the narrow often climbing street and the 14 stations of the cross along its way, including where Jesus met his mother, fell several times, was helped in carrying the cross, and met the lamenting women of Jerusalem.

The procession ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built over the sites where Christians believe Christ was crucified and buried.

As bells tolled across the city, black-robed priests and nuns mingled with pilgrims and tourists. Many carried crosses while some, including a group from California smeared in fake blood, re-enacted the crucifixion.

BONUS: Go here for a virtual tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Resurrection).