٠٠:٠٣:٣٠Hundreds of people, predominantly of Christian background, participated in the official lighting of the Christmas tree at Bab Al-Jadeed in the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday.
Spectators gathered in the evening to witness a large Christmas tree lighting up as fireworks were shot into the evening sky.
A Scout band with bagpipes and drums also marched through the crowd as part of the celebrations.
The tree-lighting ceremony was attended by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and a number of other religious leaders.
“We're all very glad to participate in this ceremony of the lighting of the tree of Christmas and the New Year. Bless all those who participated in this ceremony and all the Christians of the old city of Jerusalem and all Christians all over the world,” said Patriarch Theophilus III.
“This is a significant celebration because every year, despite the difficulties and the hardships, we still come here, gather together and celebrate the birth of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas from Jerusalem, "said Nashat Felmon, the director of the Palestinian Bible Society.
The annual ceremony was accompanied by several speeches of religious leaders pointing out the significance of the lighting of the Christmas tree in the city of Jerusalem.
East Jerusalem: Hundreds gather to witness Xmas tree lighting and fireworks
Hundreds of people, predominantly of Christian background, participated in the official lighting of the Christmas tree at Bab Al-Jadeed in the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday.
Spectators gathered in the evening to witness a large Christmas tree lighting up as fireworks were shot into the evening sky.
A Scout band with bagpipes and drums also marched through the crowd as part of the celebrations.
The tree-lighting ceremony was attended by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and a number of other religious leaders.
“We're all very glad to participate in this ceremony of the lighting of the tree of Christmas and the New Year. Bless all those who participated in this ceremony and all the Christians of the old city of Jerusalem and all Christians all over the world,” said Patriarch Theophilus III.
“This is a significant celebration because every year, despite the difficulties and the hardships, we still come here, gather together and celebrate the birth of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas from Jerusalem, "said Nashat Felmon, the director of the Palestinian Bible Society.
The annual ceremony was accompanied by several speeches of religious leaders pointing out the significance of the lighting of the Christmas tree in the city of Jerusalem.
Hundreds of people, predominantly of Christian background, participated in the official lighting of the Christmas tree at Bab Al-Jadeed in the Old City of Jerusalem on Sunday.
Spectators gathered in the evening to witness a large Christmas tree lighting up as fireworks were shot into the evening sky.
A Scout band with bagpipes and drums also marched through the crowd as part of the celebrations.
The tree-lighting ceremony was attended by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and a number of other religious leaders.
“We're all very glad to participate in this ceremony of the lighting of the tree of Christmas and the New Year. Bless all those who participated in this ceremony and all the Christians of the old city of Jerusalem and all Christians all over the world,” said Patriarch Theophilus III.
“This is a significant celebration because every year, despite the difficulties and the hardships, we still come here, gather together and celebrate the birth of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas from Jerusalem, "said Nashat Felmon, the director of the Palestinian Bible Society.
The annual ceremony was accompanied by several speeches of religious leaders pointing out the significance of the lighting of the Christmas tree in the city of Jerusalem.