The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine took part in the solemn and celebratory Mass marking the Feast of St. George (Mar Jeries), held in the town of Al-Khader in the Bethlehem Governorate, in a scene marked by broad official, religious, and community participation.
The Committee was represented by its member Dr. Khuloud Daibes; Mr. Jihad Khair, Director of its Bethlehem Office; and Mr. Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media.
The Mass was presided over by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Representative in Bethlehem, Metropolitan Benedictos, with the participation of distinguished clergy. The ceremony was attended by the Governor of Bethlehem, Mr. Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, alongside representatives of the security and police apparatus, the Mayor of Beit Jala, Dr. Issa Jaanineh, the Head of Al-Khader Municipal Council Caretaker Committee, Mr. Husni Issa, as well as presidents and members of Orthodox associations, and a large gathering of worshippers. The event was organized by the Arab Orthodox Scout Group of Beit Jala.
Despite the significance of the occasion, Israeli-imposed measures in the vicinity of the monastery, most notably the closure of the main road with earth mounds and several secondary access routes, as well, had a tangible impact on participation. Attendance was noticeably reduced, and the traditional vendor stalls that typically accompany the annual celebration were largely absent, reflecting the broader constraints affecting access and community life.
Prayers for peace and justice were raised during the service, in a powerful expression of unity among official, religious, and community leaders. The occasion reaffirmed the deep-rooted and historic Christian presence in Palestine and underscored the unwavering commitment of the Palestinian people to exercising their religious freedoms with dignity, while preserving their holy sites and rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
