Armenians of Jerusalem Defend Their Rights in the Church of Holy Sepulchre

The Armenian clergymen, as well as the laymen, were engaged in a quarrel with the Greek Orthodox clergymen during the Holy Palm Sunday ceremony in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. 

According to many participants in the ceremony, the Greek clergyman, who, according to the status-quo, has no right of being present in the site of the Holy Sepulchre during the Armenian procession, was present at the site; therefore was forced out by the Armenian clergymen and the laymen as well.

The Israeli Police was quick to respond by calling tens of their men in order to allow the Greek clergyman to return to his post, an action which led to the deterioration of the situation.

Two Armenians were arrested once the procession was over, which led to a protest by the Armenians in front of the police station (next to the Armenian Convent of St. James) till the two were freed.

It is worth mentioning that a similar protest was held by the Armenians 2 years ago after two Armenians were arrested after a quarell with the Israeli police for being denied entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Holy Fire ceremony.

Armenians of the Holy Land celebrate Easter as well as Christmas according to the old Armenian calendar (Hin Domar).