Representing His President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, participated in the Midnight Christmas Mass held at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, following the Eastern calendar. The mass was also attended by His Excellency Mazen Faraya, Jordan’s Minister of Interior, representing His Majesty King Abdullah II; Jordanian Ambassador to Palestine His Excellency Issam Al-Budour; Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek; Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha; Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman; heads of security forces; and numerous distinguished diplomatic and public figures.
The mass was presided over by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem. In his heartfelt sermon, His Beatitude expressed deep sorrow for the hardships endured by the Palestinian people, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza, which has overshadowed the joy of the Christmas season. He called upon the international community to intensify efforts to end the war and to work towards achieving justice and lasting peace.
On this occasion, His Beatitude also extended gratitude to His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas and His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for their unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of Muslim and Christian holy sites, and their dedicated support for the Christmas celebrations.
Prayers were offered for the realization of the Palestinian people’s aspirations for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In addition, Dr. Khouri, Minister Faraya, and the official delegation attended the Syriac Orthodox Christmas Mass, led by His Eminence Bishop Mor Anthimos Jack Yakoub, as well as the Coptic Orthodox Christmas service, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anba Antonios.
