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Rival Clerics Clash At Bethlehem's Church Of The Nativity

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  • Rival Clerics Clash At Bethlehem's Church Of The Nativity

    RTT News
    Dec 29 2011

    Rival Clerics Clash At Bethlehem's Church Of The Nativity

    RTTNews) - Rival groups of Greek Orthodox and Armenian clerics clashed
    with each other at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity using
    broomsticks on Wednesday, leaving dozens of tourists bemused.

    The clashes broke out as rival groups were cleaning the church in
    preparation for the Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7. The
    exchange was reportedly triggered after a a Greek Orthodox priest
    encroached on the territory of the other group.

    The fighting was halted after Palestinian policemen at the scene
    intervened and separated the quarreling priests using batons and
    shields. No one was either injured or arrested as a result of the
    brawl. The rival sections resumed their cleaning activities after the
    brawl ended.

    The Church of the Nativity, located in the West Bank town of
    Bethlehem, built over the site where Jesus Christ is believed to have
    been born. The Greek Orthodox and Armenian clergy share the
    administration of the church.

    Such clashes between rival clergy members are common during joint
    religious or cleaning ceremonies at the Church of the Nativity. At
    least seven people were injured after similar clashes broke out
    between the rival clergy groups during a post-Christmas cleaning
    ceremony in 2007.

    Just like the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the
    Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem--built on the site where Jesus is believed
    to have been crucified-- is shared by various branches of
    Christianity, with each group guarding their part of the church with
    passion.

    by RTT Staff Writer

    http://www.rttnews.com/Content/MarketSensitiveNews.aspx?Id=1788581&SM=1

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