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Patriarch Leads Christmas Mass Amid Bethlehem's Ongoing Strife

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, arrived in Bethlehem on January 6, 2026, to lead the midnight Christmas Mass per the Julian calendar.
Theophilos III was welcomed at Manger Square by Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia and Mayor Maher Qanawati.
A reflection on Bethlehem's history highlights ongoing violence and notes a significant portion of the Palestinian population consists of children.

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Story summary

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, arrived in Bethlehem on January 6, 2026, to lead the midnight Christmas Mass per the Julian calendar.
Theophilos III was welcomed at Manger Square by Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia and Mayor Maher Qanawati.
A reflection on Bethlehem's history highlights ongoing violence and notes a significant portion of the Palestinian population consists of children.