Christians in middle east

Lebanese Forces chief welcomes JD Vance’s support for Lebanon’s Christian community

In recent years the Christian community has been split between some who supported Hezbollah and some who oppose Hezbollah.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A memorial service is held at Sayyidet al-Najaat Church for five Christians, including a priest, who were killed in attacks in Rumiyeh, north of Beirut, Lebanon, on March 15, 2026.
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III takes part in Holy Thursday ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, on April 9, 2026.

Patriarch Theophilos III, Trump to discuss protection of Christians, freedom of worship

The Patriarch will also be making an official visit to Greece and an expected visit to Russia in the coming week as part of this broader effort to support Christian communities.

|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
‘We were taught to love each other, not to hate. Christians are a peaceful community,’ says Naji Mansour, owner of Mansour Money Change in the Old City. PremiumPremium

'I refuse to hide my cross': Jerusalem's Christians describe a climate of fear

Clergy, residents, and business owners say assaults against Christians in Jerusalem are becoming more frequent – and more tolerated

|ByDANA BEN-SHIMON
PRESIDENT’S ROOM with Dormition Abbey in the background.

WATCH: Israel Police arrest man for attacking nun near King David's Tomb

On Tuesday, police received reports of a nun being attacked at King David's Tomb in Jerusalem. A 36-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case and is being questioned for racist assault.

|ByCORINNE BAUM, TZVI JASPER

Christians plant trees in Israel on Tu Bishvat

Israel365 helps evangelicals fortify West Bank settlements.

JANUARY 31, 2018ByBENJAMIN GLATT
The Seven Species, whose fruits are traditionally eaten on Tu Bishvat

1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows

Palestinian worshipers face enormous amount of pressure

JANUARY 11, 2018ByBENJAMIN GLATT
Syriac Christian women pray during mass at the Saint Efram Syriac Orthodox Church in Qamishly, Syria

Jerusalem’s Christian communities feel anxiety in ‘testing’ times

Christian communities are increasingly worried about extremists who want to make the Jewish state one that is solely for Jews.

DECEMBER 27, 2017ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
Christian worshippers in Jerusalem. ‘Early Christian writers spoke of a Jewish Restoration to the Holy Land. After the Reformation this became a movement. In English-speaking countries the 19th and early 20th centuries saw many strong Christian Zionists.’

Celebrating Christmas in the war-torn Middle East

The holiday offers little escape throughout the region and has been politicized in the Palestinian territories.

DECEMBER 25, 2017ByDIMA ABUMARIA/ THE MEDIA LINE
A Syrian man cycles past a Christmas tree being decorated in the Christian-majority neighbourhood of Hamidiyeh in the old city of Homs

In Pictures: See how the Middle East celebrates Christmas

There might not be any snow, but that doesn't stop the Christians of the Middle East from celebrating in their own way.

DECEMBER 24, 2017BySHOSHANA KRANISH
Issa Kassissieh, wearing a Santa Claus costume, rides a camel during the annual Christmas tree distribution by the Jerusalem municipality in Jerusalem's Old City December 21, 2017

Muslim countries on high security alert ahead of Christmas

History of holiday attacks augmented by religious tensions over Trump's decision to move embassy to Jerusalem.

DECEMBER 24, 2017ByREUTERS
An Indonesian bomb squad policeman holds a rifle as he examines a church before Christmas mass prayer in Bandung, Indonesia, December 23, 2017 in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Picture taken December 23, 2017

After ISIS, Christmas returns to Northern Iraq

The last Christmas mass in the city was held in 2013.

DECEMBER 24, 2017ByGILGAMESH NABEEL, JACOB WIRTSCHAFTER/ THE MEDIA LINE
A volunteer in a Santa costume hands out gifts to Iraqi Christians in Najaf, December 2015

Thousands turn out for Christmas parade in Nazareth

Posters declaring “Jerusalem, capital of Palestine” placed around city reminded visitors of political tensions.

DECEMBER 23, 2017BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Christmas in Nazareth

Record breaking 20% increase in Christmas pilgrims to Israel expected

Tourism Ministry: Over 3.5 million tourists in 2017 – 500,000 more than previous year.

DECEMBER 20, 2017ByDANIEL K. EISENBUD
Eastern Orthodox pilgrims in Jerusalem

Suicide bombers attack Pakistani church before Christmas, killing nine

Broken wooden benches, shards of glass and musical instruments were scattered around a Christmas tree inside the prayer hall.

DECEMBER 17, 2017ByREUTERS
A policeman guides a family after after gunmen attacked the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta, Pakistan