CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE.

Evening Star, Issue 22975, 4 June 1938, Page 7

CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE.

Hi® Government order ito exclude the general public from religions ceremonies in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, for an indefinite period, because of the dangerous condition of this ancient church, may hasten a decision by the religions communities concerning the need for and character of the repairs recommended. It would be necessary for the three major communities to contribute at least £60,000 each towards the repairs, no small sum for the Armenians and Orthodox Greeks. As the Government will permit the religious communities to continue their ceremonies in the Basilica in private, the Orthodox, Armenian, and Latin communities will be able to celebrate the nightly Liturgy or Mass at , the Holy Sepulchre But the exclusion of pilgrims and visitors will diminish ah important tonrce of revenue. There are six communities in the Holy Sepulchre: Orthodox Greeks, fLatins (Franciscans), Armenians, Copts, Syrians, and Abyssinians. Although the Copts have been taking ; Btops to'secure the help of the Egyptian Government .in claiming a ■bare of the repairs and the Syrians are also planning how to raise money, Hie three major communities—Greeks, Latins, and Armenians—have taken the position that they three alone have real ownership of the fabric, and alone should make the repairs.—‘ JThe Times..’