“We saw where Jesus Christ was laid down,” shared Father Isidoros Fakitsas, a revered figure in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. “Before, nobody has.” This remarkable event is truly a momentous occasion for believers worldwide.
Gazing upon the resting place of Jesus Christ, even for a fleeting time, was an awe-inspiring experience. For a brief 60 hours, a select few had the privilege of entering this sacred space.
This historical opening allowed a team of dedicated individuals, including priests, monks, scientists, and laborers, to collect valuable samples and photographs.
The essential task of reinforcing the tomb’s structure was accomplished before sealing it, potentially for another few centuries. During this time, roughly 50 individuals peered into this extraordinary site, making them among the privileged few to witness such a wonder in our lifetime.
A Historical and Spiritual Journey
The tomb’s unveiling was part of an extensive renovation project in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which today stands as one of Christianity’s most hallowed edifices. Scholars eagerly anticipate gaining fresh insights about the events that transpired in Jesus’ final days.
The church itself has a turbulent history, having been initially constructed in the fourth century under Emperor Constantine, the first Roman ruler to embrace Christianity. Over centuries, it endured several reconstructions, testifying to the region’s complex past.
Throughout its storied past, the marble edifice known as the Aedicule endured numerous trials, from invasions and reconstructions to flames and now the ravages of time. The current structure dates back to the early 19th century, built during the Ottoman era.
With noticeable deterioration, it became imperative for the Israeli authorities and the three religious communities – Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Roman Catholic – who manage the church, to join hands for restoration. The prestigious National Technical University of Athens was entrusted with this monumental task, thanks to their renowned expertise in previous restoration projects worldwide.
Preserving History Through Restoration
The restoration team embarked on a meticulous journey, removing a steel cage erected by the British in 1947 following earthquake damage. Piece by piece, they dismantled the structure, addressing eroded mortar and rebuilding areas of the shrine that had succumbed to time’s grip. They endeavored to stabilize stone columns and inject solutions into various fissures plaguing the edifice. Though initially unplanned, the necessity to open the tomb arose to prevent water seepage, marking another chapter in its storied history.
Opening the tomb was a delicate endeavor. Concerns were paramount as removing the top slab could potentially damage it. Harris Mouzakis, an expert in civil engineering, emphasized the gravity of this task. “It was a delicate operation,” he noted. “We were opening not merely a tomb but the tomb of Jesus Christ, a global symbol of Christianity and a revered site for other faiths.”
Upon unveiling the marble cladding, the team discovered another marble slab, adorned with a cross. Beneath it lay the limestone slab hewn from a cave wall, believed to have cradled Jesus in death. Not seen since the 1500s, this slab represented a direct link to a foundational moment in religious history.
A Testament to Faith
Working tirelessly, the team devoted three days to gathering materials for further study before resealing the tomb to allow uninterrupted pilgrimages to the church. Faith practices continued unabated, with clergy conducting rituals and offering incense throughout this meticulous renovation.
The entire restoration effort was deemed a success, strengthening the structure for generations to come. “It will last many, many years,” Mr. Mouzakis expressed with pride. “We will have succeeded if, after 200 or 500 years, someone comes back to restore our work.” This labor of love and faith has ensured that the resting place of Jesus will endure, continuing to inspire countless visitors and scholars for years to come.
