A new Nuncio!

Sitting this afternoon in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, soaking up some sun and dozing (you know you've been here too long when you take your afternoon naps at CHS), I was startled awake by the pealing of the bells.

I've not heard the bells of the CHS before. They are not particularly melodious. But they are loud.

I noticed then that the doors to the Church had been closed. Latin, Greek, and Armenian priests and a Muslim official were standing in front of them.

Security suddenly appeared and cleared us back to make way for a phalanx of nuns, followed by one of priests. There was a thunderous thunking sound and around the corner appeared sword-bearing Ottoman guardsmen whacking heavy sticks on the stone walk. A bevy of Armenian priests in their pointy hats followed and then the well-dressed guys -- five bishops in all of their finery.

Turns out that it was the official presentation of the new Papal Nuncio, the Vatican Ambassador to Israel. Words were uttered, the Muslim keeper-of-the-key opened the door, the organ sounded, the priests and nuns started singing, the incense was lit, and we all processed inside where there were various ceremonies culminating in prayers at the tomb.

I had to come home to finish my nap.