Syrian patriarchs: Christmas and New Year celebrations will be limited to prayers

Damascus, SANA-Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East John X, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East, Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and Patriarch of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church Youssef Al Absi announced that the celebrations of Christmas and New Year this year will be limited to prayers and masses in churches and houses of worship.

The three patriarchs said in a statement on Thursday that they will not accept greetings and congratulations on Christmas and New Year’s Eve this year, but rather it is enough to hold prayers.

The move comes in light of the current circumstances, Particularly in Gaza in occupied Palestine.

Nisreen Othman/ Mazen Eyon