Greek Orthodox Patriarch arrives in Bethlehem greeted by a small crowd of faithful

Record ID: 1594708

  • Title: Greek Orthodox Patriarch arrives in Bethlehem greeted by a small crowd of faithful
  • Date: 6th January 2021
  • Summary: DRONE FOOTAGE SHOWING CELEBRATION OVER MANGER SQUARE (MUTE)
  • Embargoed: 20th January 2021 11:17
  • Keywords: Bethlehem Christmas Church of Nativity Greek Orthodox Manger Square Orthodox Patriarch
  • Location: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK
  • City: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK
  • Country: Palestinian Territories
  • Topics: Middle East,Religion/Belief,Society/Social Issues,Editors' Choice
  • Reuters ID: LVA003DU2FYVB
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, arrived at the West Bank city of Bethlehem on Wednesday (January 6), where he will celebrate Christmas according to the Eastern calendar by leading midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity.
    A less than usual crowd of faithful greeted the patriarch at Manger Square, in striking contrast to what would normally be a frenetic scene.
    Just 12 months ago, the Palestinian town was celebrating its busiest festive season for two decades, amid a sustained drop in violence and a corresponding surge in the number of pilgrims and tourists.
    But now, hotels that were adding new wings in 2019 are shuttered and Christmas and festivities will be held online due to the coronavirus restrictions imposed by the Palestinian Authority.
    The Church of the Nativity is shared by various Eastern denominations including the ancient Assyrian Church, the Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and the Coptic Church. Leaders from the various churches arrive every year at the church to kick off their Christmas Eve celebrations.
    (Production: Yosri al-Jamal, Mohammad abu Ganeyeh, Mustafa aby Ganeyeh, Suheir Sheikh)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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