BETHLEHEM, January 6, 2026 (WAFA) – The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, arrived in the city of Bethlehem as part of a series of religious events marking the Christmas holidays.
Patriarch Theophilos III is set to lead the Orthodox Church’s midnight Christmas Mass tonight, in observance of Christmas according to the Julian calendar.
The procession was officially received at Manger Square by Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Head of the Palestinian Presidential Higher Committee for Church Affairs Ramzi Khoury, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, Mayor of Bethlehem Maher Qanawati, Director of Police in Bethlehem Governorate, Brigadier General Murad Qandah, and Bethlehem Area Commander Colonel Mohammad Qaed Zaqzouq, during an official and public reception, attended by clergy members and scout groups.
The reception featured official and public ceremonies conducted in accordance with the established church protocol.
