In pictures: A mass in Bethlehem's nativity church
In pictures: A mass in Bethlehem's nativity church
Dozens of Palestinians and tourists flocked to Manger Square, near the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where tradition says Mary gave birth to Jesus.
2 min read
25 Dec, 2016
Dozens of Palestinians and tourists flocked to Manger Square [Anadolu]
Crowds gathered in Bethlehem on Saturday for Christmas eve celebrations ahead of midnight mass at the spot where Christians believe Jesus was born.
Dozens of Palestinians and tourists flocked to Manger Square, near the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where tradition says Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Some snapped selfies near the square's giant Christmas tree and watched the annual Scouts parade in the city, located a short drive from Jerusalem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Some 2,500 tickets are usually given out for the mass and those wishing to attend must register in advance. Attendees usually include Palestinian officials and foreign dignitaries.
Palestinian security forces were deployed in areas leading up to the church and square, conducting searches of some people.
Christmas carols in Arabic rang out from speakers. |
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People take part in the Christmas eve celebrations at the Manger Square next to the Church of the Nativity [AFP] |
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The apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa leads the mass [AFP] |
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem [AFP] |
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Worshipers receive holy bread during the mass [AFP] |
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At the end of the mass, worshipers walk to the grotto where Christians believe the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ [AFP] |
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