Orthodoxy makes front page news (again)

Fighting erupted between Greek Orthodox and Armenian monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Christ's crucifixion in Jerusalem's Old City. Israeli police have had to restore order after a mass brawl broke out between monks. Stories here and here.








Several similar incidences have occurred in the past:

On Palm Sunday, in April 2008, a brawl broke out due to a Greek monk being ejected from the building by a rival faction. Police were called to the scene but were also attacked by the enraged brawlers. Story here.

In 2004 during Orthodox celebrations of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a door to the Franciscan chapel was left open. This was taken as a sign of disrespect by the Orthodox and a fistfight broke out and some people were arrested. Story here.

In 2002 Ethiopian and Copt monks threw stones at each other over rights to the church roof.

Honestly, I don't understand what they are fighting for. One sect wants a monk placed inside a room, the other does not. Or a door is left open... What's the big deal? Well, go figure... In matters of religion, trying to understand is not the thing to do.