Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 29, 1991 TAG: 9103290056
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: JERUSALEM LENGTH: Short
The 900-year-old, Crusader-built church stands over the sites traditionally venerated as the locations of Christ's crucifixion and burial. In the heart of the old walled city, the church will draw hundreds of pilgrims for Easter rites.
The dispute is between the archaeologists, who want to preserve whatever possible, and the rival Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Orthodox churches, which are designing some of the renovations as a way of demarcating their territory.
Church-employed architects are guiding the renovations, but the ultimate decisions lie with religious leaders.
Archaeologists like Meir Ben Dov say unnecessary additions are covering up or removing parts of the ancient church. He cited a new mosaic floor built near the Armenian grotto where the cross reputedly was found.
The Latins replaced some Crusader-era column heads with modern renditions of Joan of Arc and Pope Paul VI carved in them, Ben Dov said.
Archaeologists have commended some changes, like replacing unsightly brick pillars with Crusader-style columns in the rotunda surrounding Christ's tomb.
by CNB