MIDDLE EAST: Greek Orthodox Christians flock to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas and Gaza's Christians spread cheer

Record ID: 402344

  • Title: MIDDLE EAST: Greek Orthodox Christians flock to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas and Gaza's Christians spread cheer
  • Date: 7th January 2010
  • Summary: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (JANUARY 6, 2010) (REUTERS) CROWD OF PALESTINIANS, INTERNATIONALS AND LOCAL POLICE GATHERING IN BETHLEHEM'S MANGER SQUARE AHEAD OF GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCH THEOPHILOS III'S ARRIVAL FOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS CROWD CARRYING CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS PALESTINIAN CHRISTIAN YOUTH DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUSES WAVING FLAGS GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCH THEOPHILOS III GE
  • Embargoed: 22nd January 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA6U74Y5CR5XHDPU9YEETRGRZF
  • Story Text: Greek Patriarch Theophilos III arrived in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus, to lead celebrations for the Greek Orthodox Christmas on Wednesday (January 6).
    Several hundred Christian residents and pilgrims gathered at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity to welcome the Patriarch.
    Youth were seen dressed as Santa Claus, while music and church bells echoed across the town.
    Though Israel's army eased restrictions to allow visitors into the town, the barrier remained an obstacle for many Christians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
    The Patriarch was greeted by various clergy and Palestinian officials at the entrance to the church ahead of a traditional midnight mass.
    On Tuesday (January 5), Christian youth dressed as Santa Claus took to the streets of Gaza City and handed out flowers to passersby and sweets to children while ringing small bells. The Santas were also seen stopping at homes and giving gifts to the children, Muslim and Christian alike.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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