Delegation of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs recently conducted a comprehensive tour in the Bethlehem Governorate. The visit underscored the committee’s dedication to safeguarding the Christian presence, particularly as preparations are underway for the Eastern Christmas celebrations.
The tour commenced at the Shepherds’ Field in Beit Sahour, affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Church, where the delegation was warmly received by Archimandrite Ignatius, the Abott of the monastery. The visit included a guided tour of the Shepherds’ Field Church, during which Archimandrite Ignatius presented a commemorative gift to Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO executive committee, and head of the Committee. The gesture honored Dr. Khouri’s steadfast commitment to supporting churches and their institutions. Accompanying Dr. Khouri were committee members Dr. Samir Hazboun, Jihad Khair, and the Director of Public Relations and Media, Raed Hanania.
The delegation then met with Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman and members of the municipal council to discuss preparations for welcoming church leaders for the Christmas celebrations, according to the Eastern calendar. Dr. Khouri emphasized the need to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people during the celebrations, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza. He described the situation in Gaza as a genocidal campaign targeting the very existence of the Palestinian people and their national and religious identity. Dr. Khouri called for unified efforts to defend Palestinian rights and support the resilience of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
In Beit Jala, the delegation visited the Arab Orthodox Benevolent Society, where they met with its head, Imad Nour, and members of the board of directors. Dr. Khouri commended the society’s invaluable role in preserving Palestinian Orthodox heritage and providing vital services to the community. He reiterated the committee’s support for institutions that reinforce the national and religious identity of Palestinians.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Coptic Orthodox Monastery of the Virgin Mary, affiliated with the Coptic Orthodox Church. The delegation met with the nuns, Mother Maria and Sister Esther, to discuss issues related to the monastery and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between various churches and religious institutions. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to fostering such cooperation, emphasizing that it strengthens unity and bolsters national spirit.
The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine reiterated its dedication to preserving the deeply rooted Christian presence in Palestine at both local and international levels amid systematic policies aimed at uprooting Palestinians from their land, such as settlement expansions in the West Bank and the relentless aggression on Gaza.
