RAMALLAH, Tuesday, December 21, 2021 – President Mahmoud Abbas today received an invitation to attend the Greek Orthodox Christmas midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

A delegation of Orthodox Christian religious leaders visited the President at his headquarters in Ramallah and personally delivered the invitation.

President Abbas extended his congratulations to the Christian denominations in the Holy Land and around the world who celebrate Christmas on January 7 according to the Orthodox calendar, noting that the Catholic Church marks the holiday on December 25.

“Our Christian people are an essential part of our nation, and Christmas is a national holiday for all of Palestine,” said President Abbas. He expressed his hope that Palestinians will celebrate next Christmas in freedom and independence.