- Title: WEST BANK: Palestinian Christians celebrate fourth Sunday of Advent in Bethlehem.
- Date: 21st December 2009
- Summary: BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (DECEMBER 20, 2009) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF CHURCH OF NATIVITY, BELIEVED BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS PEOPLE ENTERING CHURCH CHURCH BELLS RINGING CROSS ALTAR BOYS AND PRIEST ARRIVING CHURCH CHOIR SINGING WOMAN SINGING MORE OF CHURCH CHOIR PRIEST DURING MASS VARIOUS OF PEOPLE SITTING ON PEWS MORE OF PRIEST MORE OF PEOPLE ATTENDING SUNDAY MASS AS SEEN FROM THE BACK OF THE CHURCH
- Embargoed: 5th January 2010 12:00
- Keywords:
- Topics: Religion
- Reuters ID: LVA89KTW65HZ4G475U27MP2UU8E0
- Story Text: Palestinian Christians celebrate fourth Sunday of Advent in Church of St. Catherine in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.
Christians in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, revered as Jesus' birthplace, celebrated on Sunday (December 20) the fourth Sunday of Advent in the Church of St. Catherine.
Just days ahead of Christmas, dozens of Christian worshippers congregated in the church to attend the Sunday mass in the Biblical town of Bethlehem.
The word "Advent" means "coming" or "arrival". It marks the beginning of a festive season in which millions of Christians around the world make their preparations for Christmas.
Thousands of Christian pilgrims are expected to travel to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas. Those who come from Jerusalem to Bethlehem in the occupied West bank have to pass through Israel's separation barrier and go through an iron gateway in an eight metre (26 foot) high concrete structure.
Bethlehem is cut off by the barrier from neighbouring Jerusalem. Israel has erected its internationally condemned barrier inside the West Bank saying that it aims to stop Palestinian suicide bombers. Palestinians say that the barrier's construction amounts to a land grab that denies them a viable state.
The World Court has branded the barrier illegal because it loops into occupied land. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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