"JERUSALEM (CNN) -- An unusual sight greeted Jerusalem police as they entered one of Christianity's holiest sites Sunday morning: dozens of monks punching and kicking each other in a massive brawl.
Israeli police scuffle with an Armenian monk Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Monks from the Greek Orthodox and Armenian denominations were preparing for a ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City when a disagreement led to a full-fledged fistfight.
The fight began when Armenian clergy were holding a procession to commemorate the finding of the cross believed to have been used in the crucifixion of Jesus, according to The Associated Press.
The Greek members of the clergy wanted one of their monks present, the AP reported, for fear that the procession would undermine their claim to an ancient structure built on what is believed to be the tomb of Jesus.
The two sides could not agree, and when the Armenians tried to begin the procession, the Greek monks stepped in and the fighting began, the AP reported.
"We were keeping resistance so that the procession could not pass through ... and establish a right that they don't have," a young Greek Orthodox monk with a cut next to his left eye told the AP.
Many among the dozens of monks came away with cuts and bruises, said police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld.
Officers were called to the scene to break up the brawl. They detained two monks, one from each denomination, Rosenfeld said.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is thought to be built on the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Rivalries between the different sects that share control of the church often lead to tensions" (More here, both video and pics)These guys obviously need to check out John 17:20-23 (emphasis mine):
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Although this is really a funny story, and ought not to be taken too seriously or be over-analyzed, it is a reminder of how petty we can be, especially when dealing with denominational differences. They matter not. Getting our pants in a twist over submersion, predestination, Christ's presence (or lack thereof) in the Eucharist, is complete nonsense. Granted, they are all important questions; but not so important that they ought to break our fellowship with people who are of a differing opinion. St. Augustine said:
"In essentials unity,
In doubtful things liberty,
But in all things love."
And not to mention how off putting out pettiness and disunity is to those outside our family of faith! Bickering and backstabbing you can get anywhere, but true fellowship, love and unity is something rare and attractive that ought to be visible in our life and interaction with each other.
