The Church is embarking on a $3.4 million restoration project for the Tomb of Jesus Christ in the Church of Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, an iconic landmark on the site traditionally believed to be where Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and resurrected.
According to a report by the Associated Press, this is the first time that such a major project will be undertaken in two centuries involving three denominations of the church, the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian, who have not always been on the best terms with each other.
The project is expected to last for an entire year but assurance has been given that pilgrims may continue to visit the site while the restoration is under way.
The landmark project was greenlighted after an accord was signed by the leaders of the three denominations, ending years of delays, reports NY Times.
However, the threat of the Shrine's continued dilapidation spurred church leaders to sit down and enter into an agreement to save the landmark.
They each agreed to shoulder a third of the cost of the restoration and renovation while a Greek bank sponsored 50,000 euros for the scaffolding in exchange for having its name emblazoned on the structure.
"One of the serious issues in the church is that the status quo takes place over every other consideration, and it's not a good thing. Unity is more important than a turf war," Rev. Athanasius Macora, a Franciscan friar, said.
Among the works that will be undertaken by restoration experts on the centuries old structure is the careful removal of the iron cage that holds the Aedicule from collapsing, before they set to work on the Crusader Shrine that lies underneath.
The team will also repair cracks in the rock-hewed tomb underneath, believed to be where Jesus's body was placed after his crucifixion.
