Monks brawl at Christian holy site in Jerusalem

9 Nov 08

JERUSALEM (AP) ‘ Rival monks brawled at one of Christianity’s holiest
sites, and police have detained two clergymen for questioning.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says fighting erupted Sunday between
Armenian and Greek Orthodox monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
in Jerusalem. The church marks the traditional site of Jesus’
crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

Police detained one monk from each side.

Rosenfeld says fighting flared over preparations for the annual
ceremony held by the Armenians to commemorate the 4th century discovery
of the cross believed to have been used to crucify Jesus.

Six Christian sects control the ancient church. They regularly fight
over turf and influence, and Israeli police must occasionally
intervene.