Holy Land Archives

Bethlehem family, on lockdown, prepares for Easter with films on saints

Mar 22, 2020

Communal church life is an integral part of family life for George and Randa Sabat and their four children, but with a strictly enforced lockdown on the city and the two neighboring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, the family has been looking inward for spiritual support and a strengthening of their faith.

By Judith Sudilovsky

Bethlehem holy sites to be closed after COVID-19 reported at hotel

Mar 6, 2020

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem urged its faithful to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health, following its order March 5 to close all schools, universities, mosques and churches, including the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field.

By Judith Sudilovsky

Pilgrims say no regrets about Holy Land trip, despite coronavirus

Feb 27, 2020

Amid continuing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, Catholic pilgrims in the Holy Land said they were being cautious but had no regrets about continuing with their pilgrimage.

By Judith Sudilovsky

As COVID-19 spreads, Holy Land Catholics concerned, but sites still open

Feb 24, 2020

After Israel reported that 18 people from a recent South Korean tour group were infected with COVID-19, a coronavirus, a spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said officials were concerned how the diagnosis would affect Lenten and Easter pilgrimages.

By Judith Sudilovsky

Mideast patriarchs tell pope they’re concerned about Christian survival

Feb 10, 2020

In a private meeting with Pope Francis, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East had an opportunity to sound the alarm regarding the survival of Christians in the region as a result of persecution, extremism, economic insecurity and immigration to the West.

By Doreen Abi Raad

Holy Land Catholic leaders: Trump peace plan needed Palestinian input

Jan 29, 2020

Calling U.S. President Donald Trump’s Peace-to-Prosperity plan a “unilateral initiative,” church leaders in the Holy Land said it did not give “dignity and rights” to the Palestinians.

By Judith Sudilovsky