RAMALLAH, October 20, 2016 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas has offered to make a "personal contribution" in support of the restoration work on the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre.

The news was reported by official Palestinian media and Fides news agency, after representatives of the Churches that administer the Holy Sepulchre, paid a visit to President Abbas. Among the members of the delegation received at the presidential palace in Ramallah, was the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, the Apostolic Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Nourhan Manougian and Fr. Francis Patton, Custodian of the Holy Land.

"The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre," Abbas said during his meeting with the delegation of Christian Churches, "is a national and religious symbol for the Palestinian people. We have the duty to look after it, protect it and contribute to its restoration.”

“We have therefore decided to make a personal contribution for the restoration work being carried out on the Tomb of Christ".

The restoration work on the Holy Sepulchre Edicule began on 8 May this year. Most of the noisy work is done at night using drills and hammers. The cost of the restoration project – which amounts to 3,3 million dollars - is being covered by the Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Orthodox Churches.

In April, King of Jordan Abdullah II made a substantial personal donation to the project, in the form of a Royal Benefaction (makruma). Through its official channels, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land periodically issues

M.N