On January 6, 2025, celebrations marking the Nativity of Christ took place in Bethlehem. The festive service was led by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, as reported by the official website of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
In the morning, on Christmas Eve, Patriarch Theophilos welcomed the Orthodox Scout Corps and representatives of the Israeli police at the Patriarchate. The meeting was attended by Anna Mantiki, a representative of the Greek Consulate General. Following the gathering, the Patriarch, accompanied by clergy from the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, proceeded to David’s Gate and continued to the Monastery of the Prophet Elijah.
At the border of Bethlehem, representatives of the Palestinian Authority joined the Patriarch, accompanying him to the Church of the Nativity. The procession, accompanied by the singing of Christmas hymns, passed through Manger Square before reaching the iconostasis of the Katholikon. Patriarch Theophilos and the attending hierarchs descended into the Grotto of the Nativity to venerate the Star and the Manger.
The celebration continued with Great Vespers and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at the Katholikon. Hymns were chanted in Greek and Arabic. The service lasted until midday and concluded with a collective prayer for peace in the Holy Land.
On January 8, a traditional Christmas reception was held at the Jerusalem Patriarchate. Representatives of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, led by Archimandrite Vasian (Zmeev), attended the reception. The Head of the Mission conveyed greetings from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk to Patriarch Theophilos.
The Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem were a significant event for Christians worldwide, reinforcing the unity of believers and the importance of the Nativity of Christ.