2006年VOA标准英语-Thousands of Christian Pilgrims Mark Good

（单词翻译）

By Robert Berger
Jerusalem
14 April 2006
 
Christians² around the world are marking Good Friday, commemorating³ the crucifixion of Jesus. Robert Berger was on scene for the traditional observance in Jerusalem.

-------------------------------------------------

Christian¹ pilgrims carry large wooden cross along Via Dolorosa towards Church of the Holy Sepulchre 
  

Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world joined the Good Friday procession in Jerusalem's Old City. They marched down the narrow cobblestone streets of the Via Dolorosa, or the Way of Suffering. Singing hymns⁴ and reading Scriptures⁵ of the Passion, they retraced⁶ the footsteps of Jesus to the 14 stations of the cross. Some hoisted⁷ big wooden crosses on their shoulders.

Virginia Drew came from Illinois in the United States.

"I just think it's a privilege to be walking on the same ground that Jesus walked on," she said.  "And even though I know that Jesus is here, there and everywhere, for time and time eternity⁸, it's still kind of awesome⁹ for me."

American actor dressed as Jesus Christ re-enacts crucifixion while visiting stations of the cross  
  
Israeli troops with assault rifles guarded the route, but the atmosphere was calm on a warm, sunny day.  In previous years, pilgrims were scared away by Israeli-Palestinian violence. But it was a big turnout this year, thanks to a lull¹⁰ in terrorism.

Drew said that Jerusalem is safer than a lot of places back home.

"Oh, I feel safe," she added.  "There's probably more crime in some city in the United States. And hey, I look at it this way: If it's my time to go, it's my time to go."

The procession concluded at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher¹¹, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion. At the same place on Easter Sunday, believers will celebrate the resurrection.