The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine took part today in the annual celebration of the Feast of Saint George, held in the town of Al-Khader in the Bethlehem Governorate.
Representing Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of the Presidential Committee, were committee member Amira Hanania, the Committee’s representative in Europe, Jihad Khair, Director of the Bethlehem Office, and Raed Hanania Director of Public Relations and Media.
The Divine Liturgy was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Benedictos, Patriarchal Representative in Bethlehem, with the participation of Archimandrite Porphyrios, abbot of the monastery, and several priests.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Consul General of Greece, Mr. Dimitrios Angelopoulos, Al-Khader Mayor Attorney Ahmad Salah, Deputy Mayor of Beit Jala Issa Nazzal, and Maher Qanawati representing the Bethlehem Municipality. The event also saw the participation of representatives from the governorate and security agencies, leaders of Orthodox associations, and a large gathering of local worshippers and community members.
The Feast of Saint George, known locally as “Eid Al-Khader,” is one of Palestine’s most significant religious and national events, symbolizing unity and shared heritage among Christians and Muslims alike. Celebrated annually on May 6 at the Monastery of Al-Khader, the occasion features a mix of liturgical and folk traditions that reflect the deep-rooted religious and cultural significance of the site.
The Higher Presidential Committee’s participation highlights its continued commitment to supporting the Christian presence in Palestine and promoting national cohesion, especially at a time when the Palestinian people face increasing challenges amid ongoing aggression in Gaza and escalating atrocities across the Palestinian territories.
