Patriarchs John X, Ephraim II and Yusuf al-Absi: Christmas and New Year celebrations will be limited to prayers

Due to the current circumstances, especially in Gaza, occupied Palestine, patriarchs John X, patriarch of Antioch and the rest of the Levant for the Greek Orthodox, Mar Ignatius Ephraim II, Patriarch of Antioch and the rest of the Levant for the Syriac Orthodox, and Yusuf al-Absi, patriarch of Antioch and the rest of the Levant for the Melkite Greek Catholics, announced that the celebrations of Christmas and New Year will be limited this year to holding prayers and masses in churches and houses of worship.

A statement by the three Patriarchs published today stated that they will not accept greetings and congratulations on Christmas and New Year’s Eve this year, but will be content with prayers sending the blessings to all their children.

Amal Farhat