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I really hope this looks less cumbersome ...can anyone advise me if I can use any pictures from the Wikipedia article?
:''"Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury"'' - [John 19:39-40], ''see also'' [Matthew 27: 57-59]
:Immediately upon entering, the Church opens up to the southern hall. On the floor, lies the '''Stone of the Anointing''' or '''Unction'''. According to tradition, this is the spot where the church commemorates the preparation of the body of Christ for burial by [[Joseph of Arimathea]] and [[Nicodemus]], after he was removed from the cross. Christ's body was anointed with myrrh and aloes and wrapped in a clean linen cloth for the burial according to the Jewish tradition of those days.
:The slab is made from limestone marble and dates to 1808, replacing the previous 12th century slab when it was destroyed. The ownership of the slab is shared between the four main Christian churches. Over the marble slab hang large opulent lamps that have been donated by the Armenians, Greeks, Copts and Latins. On the outside wall of the '''Catholicon''', behind the stone, is a large mosaic depicting the anointing of Christ for burial.
*'''Latin calvary'''
:''"... and he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha"''' - [John 19:17]. '''"... and when the were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him ..."'' - [Luke 23: 33, 53]
:To the right of the ''Stone of the Anointing'', are a series of steep stairs that lead up to the second floor - the tip of Golgotha. The first room, is the place where Christ was nailed to the Cross. This chapel is a Catholic Franciscan altar dedicated to the Nailing of the Cross (Station 11 of the Via Dolorosa).
*The '''Rock of Golgotha''' ("Greek Calvary")
:''"... and they crucified him ..."'' - [Matthew 27:35]
:Adjacent to this chapel, is the second room - the Greek Orthodox Calvary; the spot where Christ was crucified and covers the actual Rock of Golgotha. For the other Christian churches this is also known as Station 12 of the Via Dolorosa. The entire rock, can be seen through the glass covering on either side of the altar, and beneath the altar is a small opening that allows a [[pilgrim]]s to touch the rock.
*The '''chapel of [[Adam]]''' is located immediately beneath Golgotha. This is a small area of worship that used to be known as the "Area of the Skull" and also the chapel of "Melchizedek". In accordance with tradition, the name of 'skull' and 'Adam' is derived from the fact that this is the spot where they found the skull and relics of Adam. The theology of the Orthodox church believes that this location is not a coincidence since the purpose of the crucifixion is directly connected to the story of Adam and his expulsion from Eden. Having found the bones of Adam underneath Golgotha symbolises the cleansing of the bones of the man who committed the first sin by the blood of Christ dripping down from the cross.
: [John 19:24]
*The '''Chapel of the Division of the Robe''' is the location where the soldiers parted His raiment amongst themselves and casted lots for His vesture.
*The '''Chapel of St. Longinus'''' (Greek) is dedicated to Longinus ([[October 16]]) the Centurion, a Roman soldier who served in Judea under the command of the Governor, and headed the group of soldiers escorting Christ to Golgotha. (Matthew 27:54)
:'''" ... and Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus beheld where he was laid"''' - [Mark 15:47]
:On the north side of the Rotunda, there is a small Fransiscan chapel called "Mi mou aptou" (touch me not) dedicate to St. [[Mary Magdalene]]. In accordance with the tradition, Mary of Magdala accompanied Jesus on his way to the cross and burial and the circular marble plaque that is at this spot marks the location where she and Mary beheld where he was laid but also the spot where Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection [John 20, 11-17]. This chapel belongs to the Catholic church and is named "Mi mou aptou", in hounour of Christ's words.
*The '''Syrian chapel''' is located on the east end of the Church of the Sepulchre. This area was used for burials in Christ's time.
