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

Met. Longin’s lawyer: Judges wanted to ban video recording of the trial

After the judge decided to conduct the session 'in camera', Metropolitan Longin suffered a heart attack.  

Odesa UOC Eparchy: "We can no longer be silent; we will defend the Church"

The press service of the Odesa Eparchy commented on the statement regarding the ROC's actions toward dioceses in occupied territories.

OCU cathedral in Lutsk decorated with frescoes of businessmen

Due to criticism of this initiative, the images had to be redone.

Yelensky on UOC bishops’ statement: We expect an exit from the ROC, not talks

The DESS head suggested that the Primate did not support this statement, as he hadn't put his signature on it.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence head and his wife attend confession at OCU

Previously, Budanov's wife was a parishioner of the 'Holosiivska Desert' Monastery.

Court of Appeals returns Pochaiv Lavra skete to state ownership

Three churches of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Pochaiv, affiliated with the UOC, have been transferred to state ownership.