The Catholics insisted on a larger presence in the holy places, and the Orthodox wanted to keep what they felt was traditionally theirs. Most of the people went about their business, trying to make a living, being respectful to one another, and leaving the powerful church officials and politicians to their roles as the controllers of the people.
Penelope enjoyed the baklava, eating with large bites and drinking some strong tea with it. It was around 11:00 p.m. when they arrived at the Church of the Resurrection. The aroma of frankincense filled their nostrils as they walked through the main entrance. Penelope felt as though she was walking in heaven. Her heavy body felt light, and Jesus and his mother were closer than ever. In the semidarkness of the church, the heavenly chanting of the Greek liturgical music uplifted her spirit, making her feel she was walking on air.
Eleni led Penelope up the steep stairs to the rock where Christ was crucified. Tired from the walk, Penelope caught her breath and rested on a chair that was brought to her by a thoughtful nun. She sat, closed her eyes, and felt contented. Dressed all in black, the nun climbed a steep ladder to light the oil-burning lamps near the magnificent golden crucifix, giving it an even more dramatic appearance.
With the help of Eleni and another kind Christian woman, Penelope descended from the rock of Golgotha on the main floor of the church. "This is where our Savior's body was laid, after it was taken down from the cross," the kind woman said, pointing to a flat rock the length of a human body.
Penelope motioned with her hand for her daughter to go on ahead and leave her alone. As Eleni obeyed, the unknown woman helped Penelope kneel before the rock. Penelope proceeded to lower her head and kiss the rock as the calloused palms of her hands caressed the surface. She anointed the hard, cool surface with aromatic oil she had brought from home. She dried her failing eyes and automatically repeated the strokes, over and over again. Mixing burning tears with the oil, she believed that she was making some small gesture to show her love for Christ. And, as she repeatedly prayed to Jesus, she also prayed for her own beloved son.
Finally, Penelope removed from her white cotton bag a photo of Nikolas and his clothes and placed them on the stone. She raised her hands up toward heaven and asked God to tell her where her son was. The unknown lady comforted Penelope by placing her warm hand on Penelope's shoulder and whispering to her to have patience and faith.