Bethlehem, Jan 7 (Petra) — Minister of Interior Mazen Faraya represented His Majesty King Abdullah II at the Orthodox Christmas midnight mass held at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Monday night.

The service marked Christmas celebrations for Christian denominations following the Eastern calendar.

During the service, His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Palestine, and Jordan, expressed his deep gratitude to King Abdullah II for his continuous support of churches in both Jordan and Palestine.

The Patriarch highlighted the King’s dedicated efforts in establishing the International Orthodox University at the Baptism Site.

In his address, Patriarch Theophilos III made a passionate appeal to world leaders, calling for an end to the conflict in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East region.

The solemn occasion drew significant diplomatic presence, including Ramzi Khoury, member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, who represented Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Jordan’s Ambassador to Palestine, Essam Al-Bdour, was also in attendance.

//Petra// AA

07/01/2025 13:48:24