Christ's BIRTHPLACE to Be Restored for FIRST TIME in 600 YEARS in Historic Bethlehem Project
Grotto of the Nativity Where Jesus Was Born Undergoes Major Restoration After Six Centuries
A cave in Bethlehem revered as Christ's birthplace will undergo restoration for the first time in 600 years as part of a collaborative effort to preserve the sacred site.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land announced the restoration of the Grotto of the Nativity in a joint statement January 23.
The project involves cooperation with the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate under the auspices of the Presidency of the State of Palestine.
An Italian firm that restored the Basilica of the Nativity will carry out the renovation. The grotto features a large 14 pointed silver star encased in white marble marking the nativity scene.
Preserving the Incarnation Site
"This project embodies a unified Christian commitment to preserve the spiritual, historical, and cultural patrimony of the Holy Grotto for future generations," the joint statement reads.
"In the Grotto, the mystery of the Incarnation entered history, and the Christian confession received its earthly beginning. To restore this holy place is to safeguard the continuity of faith, memory, and devotion in the land of the Nativity."
The renovation will ensure "continuity in method, craftsmanship, and artistic sensitivity" with technical reinforcement measures in adjacent sections.
Formal plans began in 2024 following a presidential decree by Mahmoud Abbas approving the project. The project is expected to support local workers and impact Bethlehem's economy, which depends heavily on tourism and religious pilgrimages.
Tourism declined due to COVID 19 and the Israel Hamas war that began October 7, 2023. Christian pilgrims from Asia, South America and Eastern Europe have slowly started returning. Thousands recently attended Bethlehem's first tree lighting ceremony since the war began.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Six hundred years. The place where God became flesh. Finally restored. Greek Orthodox, Custody of the Holy Land, Armenian Apostolic working together. This is Christian unity in action. Preserving the site where the Incarnation entered history. Where the Word became flesh. Local workers benefit. Bethlehem's economy recovers. Pilgrims return after war devastated tourism. This matters. The birthplace of our Savior deserves protection and honor.
TAKE ACTION
Support Holy Land Christians:
- Custody of the Holy Land: https://www.custodia.org/en
- Email: info@custodia.org
Plan Bethlehem Pilgrimage:
- Research Christian pilgrimage tours to Bethlehem
- Support local Christian economy through tourism
Donate to Restoration:
- Contact Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
- Support preservation of Christian holy sites
