BETHLEHEM, January 7, 2018 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud Abbas, attended the midnight mass in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem for Christmas celebrated by the Orthodox Christian denominations that follow the Eastern calendar in Palestine.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III has led the Christmas Eve procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem ushering in the church’s Christmas celebrations.

Prime Minister Rami al-Hamdallah, Secretary-General of the Presidency Tayeb Abdel Rahim, Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina and Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman attended the midnight mass among many other prominent figures.

Theophilos said that the Church of the Nativity is the heart, protection and shield of the holy city of Bethlehem, and the Church of Jerusalem is praying at this hour for world peace, peace in the Middle East and the Holy Land for the progress, success and blessing of the faithful, especially the Greek Orthodox who live in the State of Palestine and for the Palestinian people, with whom the Church of Jerusalem sympathizes with strongly.

He thanked Abbas for attending the mass, asking God to grant him all means of peace for the success of his duties in the international community to preserve Jerusalem and achieve full recognition of the state of Palestine.

M.H.