Greek-Orthodox Patriarch Diodorus (C) is assisted by two priests as he blesses November 9 the large stone which Christians believe marks the spot where Mary rested on her way to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus. Israeli archaeologists have excavated the remains of a large octagonal church, dated to the fifth century A.D. with well preserved mosaic and marble floors, which surrounds the recently-discovered rock.

ISRAEL MARY