Place of the Nativity Listed as a World Heritage Site

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved the Palestinian National Authority's request that the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem be listed as a World Heritage site. The church was listed as being "in danger" due to the political unrest in the area and its general need for significant repairs. More here.

Russian President Visits Holy Places in Jerusalem, Bethlehem

As part of his recent state visit to Israel Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has made a pilgrimage to the holy places of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, stopping at the Church of the Resurrection (the "Holy Sepulchre") in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In Jerusalem the president was welcomed by Patriarch Theophilus III (Giannopoulos) of Jerusalem and representatives of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Russian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. More here.

PNA Applies for World Heritage Site Status for Bethlehem Church

The Palestinian National Authority has submitted an application to UNESCO for the designation of the Church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem as a world heritage site. The action is controversial in Israel as only independent states can apply for the granting of this status. More here.

1898 Photos of Holy Nativity Church

Some beautiful photos of the Church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine, from 1898 can be found here.

Repair of Holy Nativity Church in Bethlehem

It seems that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem of the Armenian Orthodox Church, and the Franciscans have finally agreed to a plan of action for the restoration of the Church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem! Of course, the Palestinian National Authority had to force them to do it, but who's surprised :-)? More here.