Christians in middle east

Patriarch Theophilos III, Trump to discuss protection of Christians, freedom of worship

The Patriarch will also be making an official visit to Greece and an expected visit to Russia in the coming week as part of this broader effort to support Christian communities.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III takes part in Holy Thursday ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, on April 9, 2026.
‘We were taught to love each other, not to hate. Christians are a peaceful community,’ says Naji Mansour, owner of Mansour Money Change in the Old City. PremiumPremium

'I refuse to hide my cross': Jerusalem's Christians describe a climate of fear

 PRESIDENT’S ROOM with Dormition Abbey in the background.

WATCH: Israel Police arrest man for attacking nun near King David's Tomb

The essential position of head of the National Information Directorate has been vacant since May 2024. The directorate is responsible for shaping the Israeli hasbara (public diplomacy) response in all fields.

No plan, director, or strategy: Israel's hasbara breakdown and how it can be saved - analysis


Photo Essay: Christmas in the Holy Land

Christian pilgrims and tourists are visiting Christianity’s holiest sites, especially in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.

 Issa Kassissieh, wearing a Santa Claus costume, rides a camel during the annual Christmas tree distribution by the Jerusalem municipality in Jerusalem's Old City December 21, 2017

Iraqi Christians celebrate hopeful Christmas after defeat of ISIS

Across the region, Christmas appeared to come and go without the terrorism of previous years.

Iraqi Christians attend a mass on Christmas Eve at the Grand Immaculate Church in Qaraqosh (al-Hamdaniya), near Mosul

Christians flock to Holy Land sites for Christmas festivities

Israel has welcomed an estimated 150,000 Christians for the festive season, according to the Tourism Ministry, with many opting to join the celebrations in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.

 Issa Kassissieh, wearing a Santa Claus costume, rides a camel and distributes Christmas trees in Jerusalem's Old City December 21, 2017

Thousands flock to Bethlehem for Christmas Eve

Beginning in the morning Bethlehem’s preparations for Christmas Eve were set in motion as barricades and checkpoints were put up around the old port of the city leading to Manger Square.

Santa waves to tourists and pilgrims in Bethlehem

Merry Christmas

Turkish Christians are also facing oppression by their government. And in Iraq, the Christian population has been nearly wiped out.

A giant menorah stands in front of a Christmas tree at the Brandenburg gate to celebrate Hanukkah in Berlin December 16, 2014

The history of celebrating Christmas in ancient Greek Catholic villages

Each year ahead of Christmas, villagers deck the streets with vivid displays of color, in a bid not only to celebrate the holiday but also in hopes of attracting tourists.

One of the first cooperative moshavim and a Greek Catholic village offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s varied history

A dangerous Christmas for Iran's Christians

On December 17, the United Nations approved a resolution which rejected Iran’s continuing rights violations against women.

Members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards march during a parade to commemorate the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), in Tehran September 22, 2011.

Israel and the Great Emasculation

We can call the devaluation of manly courage and its knock-on effects in the West the “Great Emasculation.”

Iraqi Christians attend mass at Mar George Chaldean Church in Baghdad, March 1, 2015. Iraqi Christians say they have no intention of leaving the country despite the recent abduction of over 100 Assyrian Christians by the Islamic State

Massachusetts bishop apologizes for false allegations about IDF

Harris admitted on August 9 that she did not personally witness the events she had described to her fellow bishops at the convention.

High altar of an Anglo-Catholic church ad orientem style.

At religious summit, pope decries 'murderous indifference' in Mideast

A special mention was made of the need for peace in Jerusalem, which the pope called "the holy city beloved of God and wounded by men."

Pope Francis talks to diplomats during the traditional exchange of the New Year greetings in the Regal Room at the Vatican