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 Supreme Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, Ramzi Khoury, received today, Saturday, in Bethlehem, the Bulgarian Patriarch Kyrios Kyrios Daniel, during his first visit to the Holy Land since assuming the patriarchal throne, accompanied by an official church delegation, in a visit that carries special significance on both ecclesiastical and spiritual levels.

The Bulgarian Patriarch Kyrios Kyrios 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 Muhammad Taha, Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem Jreis Qara'a, Mayor of Beit Sahour Laith Qumsieh, leaders of security and police agencies, 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 Kyrios Kyrios Daniel and his accompanying delegation on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing his appreciation for this visit to Bethlehem, the city of the birth 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 his part, His Beatitude Patriarch Kyrillos Daniel confirmed 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 Daibes and Jihad Khair, and the Director of Public Relations and Media Raed Hanania.