THOUSANDS OF Christian pilgrims from all over the world are in Bethlehem and Jerusalem this weekend to participate in Christmas celebrations, but local Christians have expressed concern over the fate of communities in the region in the wake of the Arab Spring.
This afternoon, pilgrims in Bethlehem will welcome Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal, who will make his way the short distance from Jerusalem’s Old City. And in the evening worshippers will celebrate midnight mass in Bethlehem’s Basilica of the Nativity, with a large crowd expected to attend the open-air service in Nativity Square in front of the church.
Yuletide comes as Christian minorities in a number of countries in the Middle East expressed concern over the future of their communities after attacks on Christians in Egypt and Iraq.
Mr Twal, the senior Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, said in his pre-Christmas address in Jerusalem he was concerned over the fate of Christians in the region because of the recent upheavals that have swept the Middle East. He urged Christians to take part in the struggles for freedom and democracy, and urged the region’s leaders to protect minorities.
Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad, on lighting up the 50ft Christmas tree in Manger Square, said Christmas was an opportunity “to celebrate the Palestinian identity of Jesus Christ”.
The Israeli army allowed some 500 Christian pilgrims to leave the Gaza Strip and travel to Bethlehem to attend Christmas Mass.
Despite the presence of Israel’s West Bank security barrier, which surrounds most of Bethlehem, all entrances to Bethlehem are open to traffic over the holiday, with regular shuttles running between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Jerusalem’s church of the Holy Sepulchre was packed yesterday as worshippers gathered in every available space reciting prayers in a myriad of languages. Smoke from frankincense rose to the ceiling of the enormous church as organ music rang out. Monks in brown robes carrying candles mingled with tourists taking photographs.
Elliot Watson from Texas said he had been promising his wife for years to bring her and their two children on a Christmas pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and he was finally fulfilling his promise.
“It’s really something special to be here for Christmas, and so different from celebrating at our church back home. Bethlehem was just wonderful and we will be there for the Mass before heading up to Nazareth.
“[In] some places, it’s a bit commercial, but I must admit we’ve also been buying some souvenirs, so we shouldn’t complain.”