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

Record ID: 561003

  • Title: WEST BANK: Greek Patriarch Theofilos III arrives in Bethlehem to mark Greek Orthodox Christmas celebrations
  • Date: 6th January 2008
  • Summary: GREEK PATRIARCH THEOFILOS III ARRIVING AT SQUARE AHEAD OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS CLERGY AND GREEK PATRIARCH THEOFILOS III ENTERING CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY CROWD GATHERING AT ENTRANCE TO CHURCH VIEW OF CROWDS AT MANGER SQUARE
  • Embargoed: 21st January 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA6CEOWBIYM1LRK7AMAK2WUJCD9
  • 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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