The Greek Orthodox crucifixion altar places the exact site of the crucifixion. A silver disk with a central hole, underneath the altar, marks the spot on the rock where the cross stood. Visitors kneel and kiss the spot, as seen here. The silver icons of Virgin Mary and St John are on either side of Jesus.
The Stone of Unction, also known as the Stone of Anointing, is the place where the body of Jesus was laid down, after being removed from the crucifix and prepared for its burial, by Joseph of Arimathea. The body of Jesus was anointed with oil and spices, and wrapped in shrouds, as preparation for burial. The stone of anointing greets visitors, who kneel, pray and kiss the stone. This tradition is based on John 19: 40: "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". Above the stone are lamps, each donated by one of the denominations.
A site known as the Garden Tomb is said by some to be the site of the crucifixion, while the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is more commonly deemed by Christians to be the place where Jesus was buried and rose again. At the time, it was outside the Old City, but the wall was later moved to include the church and its famous tomb. The tomb of Jesus is located in the center of the hall, within the structure.
