Representing the President... Khoury Receives Bulgarian Patriarch Kirill Kirill Daniel in Bethlehem

Bethlehem - Afaq News - Representing President Mahmoud Abbas, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and head of the Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Ramzi Khoury, received today, Saturday, in Bethlehem, the Patriarch of Bulgaria, Kyrillos Kyrillos Daniel, during his first visit to the Holy Land since assuming the patriarchate, accompanied by an official church delegation, in a visit that holds special significance on both ecclesiastical and spiritual levels.

The Bulgarian Patriarch Kyrillos Kyrillos Daniel was received in the square of the Church of the Nativity, where he was welcomed by the Patriarchal Deputy in Bethlehem, Metropolitan Venediktos, in the presence of Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha, Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem Jreis Qara'a, Mayor of Beit Sahour Laith Qumsieh, security and police leaders, a number of religious figures and dignitaries, and representatives from the Franciscans and the Armenian Church, while the reception ceremonies were led by a group of scouts from the Orthodox Youth.

Following the reception ceremonies, the patriarch entered the Church of the Nativity, where he visited the Nativity Grotto, and prayers were held with the participation of religious leaders and attendees.

Khoury welcomed Patriarch Kyrillos Kyrillos Daniel and his accompanying delegation on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing appreciation for this visit to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual and humanitarian message it carries.

He emphasized the importance of visits by church leaders to the Holy Land and their role in supporting the Palestinian people and enhancing the deeply rooted Christian presence in Palestine.

In turn, His Beatitude Patriarch Kyrillos Daniel affirmed that this holy land has witnessed throughout history invasions, wars, and difficult times, yet its people remained strong, steadfast, and attached to their land and faith, calling for perseverance and prayer.

The reception was attended by members of the Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine: committee members Khaloud Dajibs and Jihad Khair, and the Director of Public Relations and Media Raed Hanania.