Bethlehem – Ma’an – Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Dr. Mohammad Najem and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Hayek visited the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where they were received by the Patriarchal Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Church at the Church of the Nativity Metropolitan Vindictus, the Governor of Bethlehem Mr. Mohammad Taha, and a number of clerics and official figures.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar at the Church of the Nativity, Metropolitan Vindictus, welcomed the attendees at the Church of the Nativity and thanked them for this historic visit. In Palestine, there is no difference between Christians and Muslims, brothers on all levels, and the Church of the Nativity welcomes all visitors.

Minister Najm stressed the importance of Islamic-Christian unity, as we are brothers in history, destiny, coexistence and homeland, stressing that the Islamic religion and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed the importance of a decent life for man, as it is the origin of life on this
earth.

The Minister of Endowments stressed the importance of the Church of the Nativity, this holy place, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and an important source of tourist attraction for Palestine from all over the world.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek stressed the importance of the Church of the Nativity as one of the pillars of tourist attraction in Palestine, as the Church of the Nativity, along with the Church of the Resurrection, the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque, occupies great importance in the Palestinian tourism program.

Al-Hayek stressed the importance of the restoration work that the Church of the Nativity witnessed, and upon the instructions of Mr. President, which contributed greatly to preserving this church and transferring it from a world heritage site under danger to a world heritage site. Certainly, this is a purely Palestinian effort that the world bears witness to.

During the visit, a tour was held in the Church of the Nativity, where Minister Najm
was informed about what the Church of the Nativity contains, the historical artifacts it possesses, and what it symbolizes.

Source: Maan News Agency