Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, received Bishop Sevan Gharibian, Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem and the Holy Land, upon his arrival at Manger Square in Bethlehem to participate in the Armenian Christmas celebrations.
The reception ceremony was attended by the Governor of Bethlehem, the Mayor, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the heads of the security and police apparatus, and members of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, in addition to a large gathering of members of the Armenian community and citizens, as well as scout groups.
During the reception, Dr. Khouri affirmed the depth of relations among the Palestinian churches and the importance of preserving the Christian heritage and holy sites in Palestine. He also praised the spearheaded role of the Armenian community in safeguarding the Christian presence, religious heritage, and holy sites in Palestine.
In his Christmas greeting, Bishop Sevan Gharibian said that the occasion carries a message of joy, peace, and hope for all, and prayed that God may grant the Palestinian people renewed goodness, blessing, security, and stability.
The reception concluded in a festive and spiritual atmosphere, with the exchange of greetings on the occasion of Christmas amid broad participation from the Armenian community and local residents.
