Not only in December but also from January 9 to 20, the various churches of Jerusalem exchanged Christmas greetings. In fact, representatives of the Catholic and Protestant churches made their way through the streets of the old city, moving from one patriarchate to another, on the occasion of the traditional Christmas greetings to the Orthodox churches. Christmas is celebrated by the latter on January 7, according to the Julian calendar. On December 29, in the same way, the Orthodox had wished the Catholics a Merry Christmas. The representatives of the various churches were in fact been welcomed by the Custos, Fr. Francesco Patton for the occasion.
It was a cold yet sunny morning on January 9 and the rhythmic sound of the kawas’ sticks awakened the old city. Thus began the path of greeting exchanges as the various communities moved throughout the morning, from one patriarchate to another.
The first appointment for the group of friars who had gathered for the occasion, led by the Custos, the Vicar Fr. Dobromir Jastzal and Fr. David Grenier, is with the Greek Orthodox. “On this occasion, let us pray that the message of Christmas may reach the hearts of all women and men, and that it may bring peace to this region, the Middle East and the whole world,” said the Custos. In his speech, Francesco Patton also stressed the “fraternal bond” between the two communities who “will continue to work together.” The Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilus III was grateful and recalled how “during this very difficult time of the rise of extremism and persecution, strengthening this bond is necessary,” guided by the “energy of hope.” (more)
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