Christian Churches Exchange Christmas Greetings at Jerusalem Patriarchate
Church leaders from across confessions gather to mark the Nativity and affirm unity during the Holy Twelve Days.
JERUSALEM — On Friday, January 9, 2026, representatives of the Christian Churches of Jerusalem paid a traditional Christmas visit to the Jerusalem Patriarchate, exchanging greetings and festive wishes for the Holy Twelve Days.
As shared in a release from the Jerusalem Patriarchate, the visits began with the Brotherhood of the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land, followed by delegations of the Armenian Church and other Christian communities, including the non-Chalcedonian Churches — the Copts, Syrians, and Ethiopians — as well as various Western churches. Among them were Lutheran and Anglican representatives, led by Archbishop Hosam Naoum and former Archbishop Suheil Dawani, accompanied by clergy, parish leaders, and faithful.
The gathering took place in a spirit of harmonious ecclesiastical cooperation, reflecting shared joy in the celebration of Christmas and expressing hope under the shadow of the recently initiated peace agreement.
Previously, UOJ reported that Patriarch Theophilos III presided at Nativity services in Bethlehem.
