Christians in middle east

The media are largely missing this historic development, but it’s worth taking a closer look.

The Armenian Christian community in the Holy Land is the only community to celebrate Christmas on January 18 and 19 due to historical differences with other Orthodox denominations.

Some 215 million Christians worldwide faced persecution for their faith last year, it said.

Lieutenant Colonel Moshe Avi joins Christmas convoy from Jerusalem to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Christian pilgrims and tourists are visiting Christianity’s holiest sites, especially in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.

Across the region, Christmas appeared to come and go without the terrorism of previous years.

Israel has welcomed an estimated 150,000 Christians for the festive season, according to the Tourism Ministry, with many opting to join the celebrations in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.

Beginning in the morning Bethlehem’s preparations for Christmas Eve were set in motion as barricades and checkpoints were put up around the old port of the city leading to Manger Square.

Turkish Christians are also facing oppression by their government. And in Iraq, the Christian population has been nearly wiped out.

Each year ahead of Christmas, villagers deck the streets with vivid displays of color, in a bid not only to celebrate the holiday but also in hopes of attracting tourists.