Patriarch of Jerusalem leads the Nativity Service in Bethlehem
The Christmas service at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. Photo: a video screenshot of the YouTube channel “Svidok”
Despite the ongoing military actions, the Christmas service was performed in Bethlehem.
On the night of January 7 (December 25 according to the Julian calendar) in 2024, a festive Christmas Liturgy led by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem was held in Bethlehem. The video broadcast of the service was published on the YouTube channel "Svidok".
The Great Vespers and the Liturgy took place at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. This year, the Christmas celebration in the Jerusalem Church is overshadowed by the tragic events of the war in Gaza, where thousands of civilians, including Christians, were killed. The Jerusalem Patriarchate allowed the possibility of cancelling the service to protest against the war. Nevertheless, it took place.
As reported, Patriarch Theophilus called on Israel and Palestine for peace at Christmas.
Read also
Pat. Bartholomew: It Is a ‘Grave Sin’ To Put Politics Before Church Unity
"Those who jeopardize this unity in the name of geopolitical expediencies and base motives for acquiring earthly power—falsely cloaked in spirituality—commit an offense before God and a grave sin," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
Procession Held in Honor of St. Gabriel of Georgia
On Nov. 1, clergy, Mother Paraskeva, and Russian, Ukrainian, and Georgian faithful took part in a procession from the house of St. Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ to the Samtavro Monastery.
Hierarchs of UOC Appeal to Zelenskyy in Defense of Met. Arseny
The episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called on Zelenskyy to stop the persecution of Met. Arseny and to ensure he receives medical treatment.
Moscow Synod Declares Day of Prayer Against Abortion
The Synod also revived the annual All-Moscow Cross Procession as a symbol of faith and unity.
Abp. John of Albania Meets with Pope Leo
Leaders discuss global peace, youth, and Christian cooperation at interfaith event.
Lawyer: The Health Condition of Met. Tychikos Remains Concerning
Met. Tychikos remains hospitalized in Athens.