The True Meaning of Christmas
Priests Scuffle Inside Bethlehem Church
The Associated Press
Thursday, December 27, 2007
BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- Robed Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests went at each other with brooms and stones inside the Church of the Nativity on Thursday as long-standing rivalries erupted in violence during holiday cleaning.
The basilica, built over the grotto in Bethlehem where Christians believe Jesus was born, is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities. Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can set off vicious feuds.
On Thursday, dozens of priests and cleaners came to the fortress-like church to scrub and sweep the floors, walls and rafters ahead of the Armenian and Orthodox Christmas, celebrated in the first week of January. Thousands of tourists visited the church this week for Christmas celebrations.
But the cleanup turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section, touching off a scuffle between about 50 Greek Orthodox and 30 Armenians.
Palestinian police, armed with batons and shields, quickly formed a human cordon to separate the two sides so the cleaning could continue, then ordered an Associated Press photographer out of the church.
Four people, some with blood running from their faces, were slightly wounded. Washington Post, picture via Dot Matrix
The Associated Press
Thursday, December 27, 2007
BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- Robed Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests went at each other with brooms and stones inside the Church of the Nativity on Thursday as long-standing rivalries erupted in violence during holiday cleaning.
The basilica, built over the grotto in Bethlehem where Christians believe Jesus was born, is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities. Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can set off vicious feuds.
On Thursday, dozens of priests and cleaners came to the fortress-like church to scrub and sweep the floors, walls and rafters ahead of the Armenian and Orthodox Christmas, celebrated in the first week of January. Thousands of tourists visited the church this week for Christmas celebrations.
But the cleanup turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section, touching off a scuffle between about 50 Greek Orthodox and 30 Armenians.
Palestinian police, armed with batons and shields, quickly formed a human cordon to separate the two sides so the cleaning could continue, then ordered an Associated Press photographer out of the church.
Four people, some with blood running from their faces, were slightly wounded. Washington Post, picture via Dot Matrix
10 Comments:
Is this a religious gathering or a turf war fought between different gangs?
Best. Xmas. Story. Ever.
It seems to me that religion is a turf war. Right? They all think that they're the correct one.
What would Jesus hit a preist with? Hmmm?
So no one really won right? Or do the cops count?
Maybe they were fighting over whose turn it was to feed the dragon.
That is what I call an ism-schism!
Comrade Kevin: It would seem that is what is going on. It's the Sharks and the Jets!
Randal Graves: It's pretty good! I still like "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" better.
Mathman6293: It sounds that way. My Jesus is better than your Jesus!
Freida Bee: "What would Jesus hit a preist with?" Compassion, most likely.
Wyldth1ng: Maybe it's not about winning or losing. Maybe it's all about acting innapropriately during the holiday season!
Professor Xavier: OK. What do you feed a dragon, anyway? Lighter fluid?
M.Yu: Ha! Good one!
DrZ.,
There is an old nerdie/ geeky type bumpersticker :" Do not concern yourself in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Ack! You are scaring me, Dee Loralei!
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