BETHLEHEM, January 6, 2012 (WAFA) – Orthodox Christians celebrated Friday Christmas Eve with the annual procession for the Greek Orthodox Patriarch from Jerusalem to Bethlehem’s Church of Nativity.
The Patriarch, Theophilos III, led the procession from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem to Bethlehem, where he was received upon arrival at Manger Square by Palestinian officials as well as by boy and girl scouts, marching bands and hundreds of people.
Theophilos III will later lead the Midnight Mass at the Church of Nativity, which will be attended by President Mahmoud Abbas' representative, Tayeb Abdul Rahim, and other Palestinian and international officials.
Other Orthodox churches also held their traditional annual procession to Bethlehem earlier in the day.
The Orthodox community in Palestine will celebrate Christmas Day on Saturday and the New Year on January 13.
The Armenians will celebrate Christmas on January 17.
M.S.
