The first basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, built in 336 AD, was totally destroyed on 18 October 1009. It was a black day for Christians – especially those living in Jerusalem. The attack started on Tuesday, 5th, the day before the end of the month of Safar in the year 400 of Egira. It started on 25 June 1009. Safar was the second month of the lunar year 400 and to arrive at 18 October, 54 days must be added. That day, 18 October, saw the total loss of the Holy Sepulchre Basilica on the orders Sultan al.-Hakim of Egypt (1000-21), who did not want any belief except his. The most to suffer were the Christians and the Jews and it was this event that was the origin of the First Crusade by the Europeans.

In 638, Khaliff Omara

conquered Jerusalem. He respected the Christians, so did not enter the new Basilica as a sign of respect to the most holy place of the Christians.

During Al-Zahin’s reign, there was dialogue between Christians and Moslems and this Byzantine emperor permitted the building of a mosque in Constantinople.

The building of the present Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre was completed in 1048. It was reduced in size and some changes were made. Whereas before the Rock of Golgotha had been outside, it is now inside. There was also the Martyrium, a large church dedicated to the Lord’s Passion, where the mysteries of the Dea and Resurrection of the Lord were celebrated every Sunday. This church no longer exists.

Fr Mark Cauchi

VALLETTA