WEST BANK: Greek Patriarch Theofilos III arrives in Bethlehem to mark Greek Orthodox Christmas celebrations

Record ID: 561002

  • Title: WEST BANK: Greek Patriarch Theofilos III arrives in Bethlehem to mark Greek Orthodox Christmas celebrations
  • Date: 6th January 2008
  • Summary: (W3) BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (JANUARY 6, 2008) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CROWD GATHERED AT MANGER SQUARE VARIOUS OF BAND PARADING VARIOUS OF CLERGY MEN GATHERING AT SQUARE VARIOUS OF CLERGY CHILDREN DRESSED IN SANTA CLAUS COSTUME VARIOUS OF BAND PLAYING VARIOUS OF BAND MEMBERS BLOWING INSTRUMENTS CLOSE OF CHILD IN SANTA CLAUSE UNIFORM SMILING MORE OF BAND PLAYING CROWD GATHERED VIEW OF GIRL IN SANTA CLAUS UNIFORM MORE OF BAND MARCHING
  • Embargoed: 21st January 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA9LSHVFS09U44ZIDLAHL0GJI7R
  • Story Text: Greek Patriarch Theofilos III arrived in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, revered as the birthtown of Jesus on Sunday (January 6), to start celebrations for the Greek Christmas in the holy land.
    Several hundreds of pilgrims gathered at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity, where 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.
    The Patriarch was, however, able to meet religious clergy and Palestinian officials at the entrance to the church ahead of a traditional midnight mass.
    Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is due to attend the mass, though many residents of the West Bank town and Christians who have travelled from other Palestinian areas had little to celebrate about after weeks of violence between rival factions, Fatah and Hamas.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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