Orthodox christians start christmas celebrations

 Orthodox Christmas celebrations commenced Monday, Christmas Eve for the Orthodox Church, with the procession of the heads of the Orthodox churches from Jerusalem to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, led a procession from the Old City of Jerusalem to Manager Square in Bethlehem, where he was welcomed by Palestinian officials, the Orthodox community and hundreds of people and scouts, who marched through Star Street playing festive music.Theophilos III will preside over the Christmas Midnight Mass, which will be attended by President Mahmoud Abbas, the Consul-General of Greece and a host of diplomats, clergy and guests.Earlier this day, heads of other Eastern Orthodox churches, namely the Syrian Orthodox Archbishop, Mar Swerios Malki Murad, and Coptic Orthodox Archbishop, Anba Abraham, arrived at Manager Square while the Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop, Abba Kwestos, would arrive this afternoon.The Armenian Orthodox Church will celebrate Christmas on January 19.