BETHLEHEM, December 24, 2017 (WAFA) – Christmas celebrations kicked off on Sunday with the annual procession led by the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

The car procession started at the Latin Patriarchate at Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City with a stopover at Mar Elias Monastery on the outskirts of Bethlehem before completing its journey to Manger Square and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, the birth site of Jesus Christ, where the official ceremony is expected to be held at al-Salam Center.

Pizzaballa’s procession was received by the Priest of the Latin parish, Rami Asakriya, mayor of Beit Sahour, deputy mayor of Bethlehem, governor of Bethlehem and the Minister of Tourism, as well as other religious representatives and security officials.

President Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend the midnight mass.

M.N./M.H.