“…And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger…”

(Luke 2:6-7)

Highlights of the feast

Morning of the 6th: the Patriarchal procession from the Old City to the Monastery of Mar Elias and thence to the Church of the Nativity*

via the Bethlehem checkpoint.

Midnight - Divine Liturgy is held at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem*.

Related sites worth visiting:

•           Shepherds Field - The sanctuary of “Kenisater-Ruwat” in Bet-Sahur*.

•           The Milk Grotto in Bethlehem*.

•           Mar Elias Monastery on the main road, halfway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.