The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem have asked that Christians in the region refrain from usual festivities during the Advent and Christmas seasons in honour of those who have lost homes or family members.
In a Nov. 10 statement, church leaders in both Europe and the Holy Land called for acts of solidarity with those who are suffering, as well as for peace and disarmament.
“Each year during the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmastide, our Christian communities throughout the Holy Land take great delight in their preparations for the commemoration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, holding large-scale religious services and public festivities with bright light displays and ornate decorations," they said.
