In a noteworthy gathering, principal of the Christian schools in Palestine, representing Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant church communities from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jenin, and their surrounding areas, convened in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, to celebrate the joyous occasion of Christmas. The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency Bishop William Shomali, the Assistant Bishop to the Latin Patriarch in Jerusalem, and the General Secretariat of Christian Schools.
Welcoming the attendees, Father Dr. Faisal Hajazin, the Secretary-General of Christian Schools, underscored the importance of Christmas in sowing seeds of love and peace worldwide, especially in the Holy Land. He urged the directors to instill a culture of peace and respect for others in their students, emphasizing that the mystery of the child born in the manger should be the driving force behind their activities and service.
Expressing gratitude for their efforts, Bishop Shomali commended the directors for their contributions to the well-being of the Palestinian people through their educational roles and their religious, cultural, and moral responsibilities. He praised their efforts towards peace, emphasizing that schools are the cradle of peace, and concluded with a prayer for their blessed presence.
Father Issa affirmed that peace from God descends upon us in these blessed Christmas days with the voices of the angels proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace." He expressed hope for celebrating Christmas without barriers and for the liberation of Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian state.
The event was enriched with Christmas performed by the shepherds' choir. In conclusion, all principals exchanged Christmas greetings and expressed their appreciation to the General Secretariat for bringing them together to celebrate the Christmas holidays.
