BETHLEHEM, September 26, 2026 (WAFA) — Representing President Mahmoud Abbas, Ramzi Khoury, member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the Presidential High Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, received today Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil in Bethlehem, during the patriarch's first visit to the Holy Land since his accession to the patriarchal see.

Patriarch Daniil arrived accompanied by an official church delegation as part of a visit carrying significance on both the ecclesiastical and spiritual levels.  

The Bulgarian Patriarch was officially received in the courtyard of the Church of the Nativity, with Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha, Bethlehem Deputy Mayor Gries Qara'a, Beit Sahour Mayor Laith Qumsieh, Palestinian security and police commanders, clergy, dignitaries, and representatives of the Franciscan and Armenian communities in attendance.  

Following the reception, Patriarch Daniil entered the Church of the Nativity and visited the Grotto of the Nativity, where prayers were held in the presence of clergy and attendees.

Khoury welcomed Patriarch Daniil and his accompanying delegation on behalf of President Abbas, expressing appreciation for the visit to Bethlehem, the city traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and describing it as carrying a spiritual and humanitarian message.

He underscored the importance of visits by church leaders to the Holy Land and their role in supporting the Palestinian people and strengthening the deeply rooted Christian presence in Palestine.

Patriarch Daniil said the Holy Land had witnessed invasions, wars and difficult periods throughout history, but its people had remained strong, steadfast and committed to their land and faith, calling on them to remain and pray.

M.N