Orthodox monks tour the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, situated in the West Bank near Jerusalem. Palestinian authorities fear that visitor numbers will be lower than usual this Christmas, following a spate of cancellations due to violence in Gaza.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
Orthodox monks tour the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, situated in the West Bank near Jerusalem. Palestinian authorities fear that visitor numbers will be lower than usual this Christmas, following a spate of cancellations due to violence in Gaza.
MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images
In June 2012, the Church of the Nativity became the first World Heritage site in the Palestinian territories. Christian pilgrims flock to the church, which features a grotto considered since at least the 2nd century to be the site of Christ's birth.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
In June 2012, the Church of the Nativity became the first World Heritage site in the Palestinian territories. Christian pilgrims flock to the church, which features a grotto considered since at least the 2nd century to be the site of Christ's birth.
AFP/Getty Images
Orthodox priests take part in a procession in Bethlehem's Manger Square. Tourism officials in Bethlehem are hopeful that the upgrading of the Palestinian status at the U.N. could encourage more visitors to come.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
Orthodox priests take part in a procession in Bethlehem's Manger Square. Tourism officials in Bethlehem are hopeful that the upgrading of the Palestinian status at the U.N. could encourage more visitors to come.
MUSA AL-SHAER/AFP/Getty Images
A cross held aloft in Manger Square, next to a Palestinian flag. One of Christianity's holiest sites, the Church of the Nativity is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Palestinian territories, and drew about two million visitors last year.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
A cross held aloft in Manger Square, next to a Palestinian flag. One of Christianity's holiest sites, the Church of the Nativity is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Palestinian territories, and drew about two million visitors last year.
MUSA AL-SHAER/AFP/Getty Images
In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine founded a church on the site, which was destroyed in the year 529. It was soon replaced by the structures that form the basis of the church today.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine founded a church on the site, which was destroyed in the year 529. It was soon replaced by the structures that form the basis of the church today.
HAZEM BADER/AFP/Getty Images
Orthodox clergy cleaning the Church of Nativity. Responsibilities for cleaning the church are split between the three denominations that administer the church, who have been known to erupt in scuffles.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
Orthodox clergy cleaning the Church of Nativity. Responsibilities for cleaning the church are split between the three denominations that administer the church, who have been known to erupt in scuffles.
MUSA AL SHAER/AFP/Getty Images
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal leading last year's Christmas midnight Mass at the church.
Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity —
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal leading last year's Christmas midnight Mass at the church.
Majdi Mohammed/AFP/Getty Images