٠٠:٠٢:٢٣Mandatory Credit: Palestine TV
Beatitude Father and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived at the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem on Sunday for the annual feast of Christ’s incarnation to mark Christmas Eve.
The footage shows the patriarch arriving at Manger Square with his entourage, as he is greeted by worshippers.
However, Bethlehem is devoid of its usual Christmas cheer as celebrations stand cancelled this year due to the conflict in Gaza. The absence of tourists, pilgrims, carols, and the iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square paints a bleak picture of the town revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
The war in Gaza has deterred the thousands of foreign visitors who typically flock to Bethlehem during this season, causing significant economic strain for local businesses. Shops in Manger Square are mostly closed, and the church of the Nativity, usually a hub of activity, remains quiet.
This year, in protest against Israeli actions in Gaza and as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, Bethlehem has opted to forgo Christmas celebrations. It marks the first time in living memory that the town, synonymous with festive joy, will not partake in the traditional Christmas festivities.
The Church of the Nativity holds great significance for many Christians. Originally commissioned by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, the church is believed to be located upon Jesus’s birthplace.
According to the ancient tradition of the Church of Jerusalem, the feast of the Incarnation of Christ has been celebrated in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, since the 4th century AD with the leadership of Father and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and his entourage.
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem arrives as Christmas celebrations cancelled in Bethlehem amid Gaza war
Beatitude Father and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived at the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem on Sunday for the annual feast of Christ’s incarnation to mark Christmas Eve.
The footage shows the patriarch arriving at Manger Square with his entourage, as he is greeted by worshippers.
However, Bethlehem is devoid of its usual Christmas cheer as celebrations stand cancelled this year due to the conflict in Gaza. The absence of tourists, pilgrims, carols, and the iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square paints a bleak picture of the town revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
The war in Gaza has deterred the thousands of foreign visitors who typically flock to Bethlehem during this season, causing significant economic strain for local businesses. Shops in Manger Square are mostly closed, and the church of the Nativity, usually a hub of activity, remains quiet.
This year, in protest against Israeli actions in Gaza and as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, Bethlehem has opted to forgo Christmas celebrations. It marks the first time in living memory that the town, synonymous with festive joy, will not partake in the traditional Christmas festivities.
The Church of the Nativity holds great significance for many Christians. Originally commissioned by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, the church is believed to be located upon Jesus’s birthplace.
According to the ancient tradition of the Church of Jerusalem, the feast of the Incarnation of Christ has been celebrated in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, since the 4th century AD with the leadership of Father and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and his entourage.
Mandatory Credit: Palestine TV
Beatitude Father and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, arrived at the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem on Sunday for the annual feast of Christ’s incarnation to mark Christmas Eve.
The footage shows the patriarch arriving at Manger Square with his entourage, as he is greeted by worshippers.
However, Bethlehem is devoid of its usual Christmas cheer as celebrations stand cancelled this year due to the conflict in Gaza. The absence of tourists, pilgrims, carols, and the iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square paints a bleak picture of the town revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
The war in Gaza has deterred the thousands of foreign visitors who typically flock to Bethlehem during this season, causing significant economic strain for local businesses. Shops in Manger Square are mostly closed, and the church of the Nativity, usually a hub of activity, remains quiet.
This year, in protest against Israeli actions in Gaza and as a show of solidarity with Palestinians, Bethlehem has opted to forgo Christmas celebrations. It marks the first time in living memory that the town, synonymous with festive joy, will not partake in the traditional Christmas festivities.
The Church of the Nativity holds great significance for many Christians. Originally commissioned by the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great, the church is believed to be located upon Jesus’s birthplace.
According to the ancient tradition of the Church of Jerusalem, the feast of the Incarnation of Christ has been celebrated in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, since the 4th century AD with the leadership of Father and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and his entourage.