Tel Aviv [Israel], December 25: Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the heads of the churches in Jerusalem have emphasized the Christian message of hope at Christmas in a joint message.
The group includes the patriarchs of the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian and the Latin churches of Jerusalem, along with the Custos of the Holy Land who represents the Roman Catholic Franciscan Custody, and the archbishops of the Coptic Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, and Ethiopian Orthodox churches. Although a ceasefire in Gaza has enabled many communities to celebrate the festival more publicly again, the leaders urged caution.
In their joint Christmas message, they referred to the prophet Jeremiah, who warned against those who speak of "peace, peace" when there is no peace.
"Despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds have continued to be killed or suffer grievous injury," the statement says.
"Many more have experienced violent assaults against themselves, their properties, and their freedoms - not only in the Holy Land, but also in neighbouring countries."
The church leaders reaffirmed their "solidarity with all those who are suffering and downcast."
At the same time, they called on "Christians and others of goodwill around the world" not to slacken in their prayers and efforts for a true and just peace in the homeland of Jesus Christ - "and, indeed, throughout the Earth."
Christians are celebrating Christmas in the Holy Land for the first time since the end of the Gaza war. A large Christmas tree stands in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem again this year.
On Wednesday, after the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Midnight Mass was to be celebrated there. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism expects around 40,000 Christian pilgrims at Christmas.
Source: Qatar Tribune
