Patriarch Theophilos invites Palestine president to Christmas in Bethlehem
Patriarch Theophilos III and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the Christmas service at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This was reported by the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The Patriarchal Locum Tenens of Jerusalem in Bethlehem, Metropolitan Benedict of Diocaesarea, also conveyed invitations to the Christmas vigil to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Deputy Prime Minister Hussein al-Sheikh.
During the most recent meeting between Metropolitan Benedict and Hussein al-Sheikh, which took place on December 29, 2025, the parties emphasized the spiritual significance of Palestine as a land bearing witness to the faith. The hierarch of the Jerusalem Church and the deputy prime minister pointed to the need to strengthen unity and fraternity within Palestinian society, especially amid present-day trials. Participants in the meeting noted that the feast of the Nativity of Christ has a supraconfessional significance and serves as a symbol that unites the Palestinian people.
As the UOJ previously reported, a Christmas tree was erected in Bethlehem’s main square for the first time in two years.
Read also
Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos
The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.