- Title: GAZA: Orthodox Christians hold Christmas mass
- Date: 8th January 2011
- Summary: MORE OF SECURITY OUTSIDE CHURCH
- Embargoed: 23rd January 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Gaza, Gaza
- City:
- Country: Palestinian Territories
- Topics: Religion
- Reuters ID: LVAAEN99RQ9986QTR7EL4KALCU7W
- Story Text: Dozens of Orthodox Christians took part in the Christmas morning mass in Gaza City on Friday (January 7) under tight security.
There has been a surge in sectarian anti-Christian rhetoric in statements by al Qaeda offshoots in recent months and a deadly attack on a church in Egypt on January 1.
Christians have been on high alert after messages were posted on websites maintained by Islamist extremists calling for attacks on Coptic churches worldwide.
Worshippers packed this small Greek Orthodox Church where the traditional Christmas service, which follows the Julian calendar, was peaceful and the mass subdued.
After prayers young girls in marching band uniform chanted songs and cheered.
The Christian community in Gaza is about 3,000 strong. The majority are Orthodox Christians and the rest mainly Latin.
Israel issued some 600 permits allowing Christians from Gaza access to the West Bank Town of Bethlehem for Christmas on December 25. But the majority celebrated Christmas in the Gaza Strip.
Bethlehem is home to the Church of Nativity, where Christians say Jesus was born. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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