The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land have announced the forthcoming commencement of restoration works at the Grotto of the Nativity, the sacred site revered by all of Christendom as the place of the Lord’s Incarnation.
This initiative, carried out in cooperation with the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, is being implemented under the auspices of the Presidency of Palestine and in accordance with the Presidential Decree on the restoration of the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity for the year 2024, as well as with the established historical pilgrimage status governing the Holy Places.
The restoration works will be carried out by an Italian company that had also undertaken the recent restoration of the Basilica of the Nativity, ensuring continuity in methodology, technical excellence, and respect for the unique sacred character of the monument. Preparatory work has already been completed, and the restoration is expected to begin imminently.
In addition to interventions within the Grotto itself, the project includes measures for the technical reinforcement of adjacent sections of the pilgrimage complex, with the aim of preserving its architectural unity and ensuring the safe use of the site.
The joint statement emphasizes that this project reflects a collective Christian commitment to safeguarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage of the Grotto of the Nativity for future generations, as well as to preserving the dignity of a site that constitutes a timeless point of reference for the Christian faith.
Finally, it is noted that through this cooperation, the Churches of Jerusalem ensure that the faithful of all Christian traditions will continue to be able to venerate, with reverence, the place of Christ’s Nativity, from which, as stated, the light of the Nativity continues to illuminate the world.
