Armenian Experts to Participate in Restoration of Edicule of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

JERUSALEM (Mediamax) — Armenian experts will participate in restoration of the Edicule of the Tomb at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine Theophilos announced the restoration of the Edicule on March 22 in the presence of Custodian of the Holy Land Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Nourhan Manougian.

Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem reports this news.

The ceremony was held near the Edicule, where special scaffolding was set.

The decision on restoration was made according to the results of the Edicule’s technical examination conducted by specialists from National Technical University of Athens.

The current construction above the Edicule was built in 1810 by the project of Greek architect N. Komninos after a destructive fire in the Church of the Resurrection in 1808.

The Edicule has not been restored since 1810.

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem agreed upon the restoration project with the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land and Armenian Patriarch.

The restoration is to be accomplished by specialists from National Technical University of Athens in coordination with employees of University of Florence and experts from Armenia.

Restoration works will begin in a few weeks and last no less than 8 months.

Pilgrims will still have access to the sacred place during the restoration.