Easter celebrations have been canceled in the birthplace of Christ - an act of solidarity... "We lift up prayers to the Risen Christ, the Lord of peace, that this Feast of the Glorious Resurrection may be an occasion for peace and healing for our wounded hearts and for this sorrowful city. We also extend our warmest congratulations to our Christian brothers and sisters on this blessed feast, and we ask the Risen Christ to lift the oppression from this Holy Land, and to grant everyone safety, peace, stability, and a just and lasting peace."

 Statement from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem: 

“In light of the tragic circumstances, and in the shadow of the brutality of war and the dire situation affecting our Palestinian people in the homeland, it has been decided to cancel all celebrations and traditional festive appearances for this holy occasion, and to limit the observance to prayers and strictly religious rituals only. 

On Holy Saturday, the Holy Fire will be received at the Church of the Nativity and delivered to His Excellency the American Consul General, Mr. Gregory Thome, in accordance with the protocol followed inside the church. 

We also affirm that we have no connection to any unofficial festive appearances that take place outside the church’s jurisdiction. These are not part of the church’s official program for this holy season. 

We lift up prayers to the Risen Christ, the Lord of peace, that this Feast of the Glorious Resurrection may be an occasion for peace and healing for our wounded hearts and for this sorrowful city. 

We also extend our warmest congratulations to our Christian brothers and sisters on this blessed feast, and we ask the Risen Christ to lift the oppression from this Holy Land, and to grant everyone safety, peace, stability, and a just and lasting peace.”