Patriarch of Jerusalem leads the Nativity Service in Bethlehem
The Christmas service at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. Photo: a video screenshot of the YouTube channel “Svidok”
Despite the ongoing military actions, the Christmas service was performed in Bethlehem.
On the night of January 7 (December 25 according to the Julian calendar) in 2024, a festive Christmas Liturgy led by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem was held in Bethlehem. The video broadcast of the service was published on the YouTube channel "Svidok".
The Great Vespers and the Liturgy took place at the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. This year, the Christmas celebration in the Jerusalem Church is overshadowed by the tragic events of the war in Gaza, where thousands of civilians, including Christians, were killed. The Jerusalem Patriarchate allowed the possibility of cancelling the service to protest against the war. Nevertheless, it took place.
As reported, Patriarch Theophilus called on Israel and Palestine for peace at Christmas.
Read also
Priests and laity of Rivne Eparchy donate blood for children with cancer
In Rivne, the UOC clergy and laity have donated blood for children undergoing treatment for cancer.
Kyiv seminary students meet with People’s Artist Larisa Kadochnikova
Students of Kyiv’s theological schools spoke with the legend of Ukrainian cinema, who shared her memories of filming "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors".
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.