On the 19th of January, Palestinian-Armenians in Jerusalem celebrated Christmas. While Armenians around the world celebrate Christmas on 6th of January, Armenians in the Holy Land are the only group to mark the holiday on the 18th and 19th of the month, according to the Julian calendar. Normally, on the eve of the 19th there are special church services and ceremonies which are conducted in the Church of the Nativity all night long until the next day. However, this year, due to the current situation in Gaza, there are limited displays of Christmas festivities.
• Emmanuel, the third Christmas in Jerusalem showcases the beautiful and diverse mosaic of our holy city. Whilst this year Christmas is not celebrated with joy but in solidarity with all who are suffering in Palestine-Israel, we wish a revolutionary and meaningful Christmas to our Armenian siblings. May you provide the local community with the gift of resilience, justice, and protection as they struggle to defend their presence in the Holy Land.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer