Priests brawl in Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity

Priests brawling in Church of Nativity. Photo: BBC

Scuffles have broken out between rival groups of Greek Orthodox and Armenian clerics in a turf war at Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity.

Bemused tourists looked on as about 100 priests fought with brooms while cleaning the church in preparation for Orthodox Christmas, on 7 January.

Palestinian police armed with batons and shields broke up the clashes.

Groups of priests have clashed before in the church, built on the spot where Christians believe Jesus was born.

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27 Comments

  1. boney
    December 30, 2011

    They are only humans, only Dominicans thinks that they are saints

  2. MewMew
    December 29, 2011

    Again?!! Something MUST be wrong with these men.

  3. BRAIN DAMAGE
    December 29, 2011

    Those are fake priests. The True ones would only dance.

    • ??
      January 2, 2012

      lmao im sorry this is amusing to me what u said.

  4. DEXTER
    December 29, 2011

    LAUGH…….THIS IS HOW IT IS ALL GOING TO END….A RELIGIOUS WAR…YOU ALL WILL DIE LAUGHING

    • Justice and Truth
      December 30, 2011

      @ DEXTER

      Once again, if I were you I would not laugh. Where the Spirit of God is, there also is his enemy, Satan causing mass confusion and lack of peace. There seems to be some sort of competition for this place which really belongs to every one in general, all God’s creatures. I do believe that this will continue until the end of time.
      God has his plans and one day He will put an end to this. The perpetrators will be punished. Who, in this case are the perpetrators? Who commenced this melee? What caused it?
      Pray for them instead of laughing. Pray for peace and unity in the world. If you only sit back, laugh and jeer, you may be one of those who will end up not laughing and in eternal punishment, regret and sadness. As God is taking note, what goes around comes around.

  5. C. bruce
    December 29, 2011

    you know
    i am religious myself
    but can’t stop laughing at this

    priest fighting over turf… with broom

    • Justice and Truth
      December 30, 2011

      @ c. bruce

      You will note that they are Orthodox priests. “Orthodox” originated from Greece. In the ancient days they broke away from the Catholic Church. They worship God but not as we Catholics do. They may be the instigators. If you can find information on them, read it and their history. There is much to learn.
      It may appear funny to some of you but it is not funny. It is a sad situation that religious people cannot get along. This is not genuine love for God and for others. How it saddens our God also when we sin in whatever manner and for those who are supposed to be religious people.
      Consider, too, that it saddens him when people reject him and refuse to worship him, speaking evil against him and those who worship him. Which is worst? God knows! Every one will receive their just recompense in time as they deserve. Therefore, let no one laugh at this situation for, in time, it may turn against them.
      The New Year is upon us. If you are not a worshipper (although I hope you are) make a concerted effort to turn over a new leaf in worship and prayer. This is my advice to you. May God bless you! Have A Happy New Year!

  6. December 29, 2011

    this prove to show this religion thing is just a joke being driven by selfish leaders.belive in God and be Spiritual and you will be fine.

    • MewMew
      December 29, 2011

      Everyone says that. Then why isn’t our world “fine”?

    • Justice and Truth
      December 30, 2011

      @osebesa

      I am not shocked at what is occurring in Bethlehem. This type of action has been ungoing for years as always reported by the Media.
      Being religious is no joke. People are not perfect even the so-called spiritual ones as these latter ones call themselves. Who is perfect? If they are provoked they will become angry and retaliate. As religious people, there are some who are protecting their right to worship in Bethlehem in dignity and peace. There are others who will not allow them to do so. This is the reason for the fracas. Be broadminded.

      • Justice and Truth
        December 30, 2011

        :oops: I meant “ongoing”.

  7. A Voice
    December 29, 2011

    And the police say that they were not arrested because they are ‘men of GOD’.

    Now that is humurous…

    • Justice and Truth
      December 30, 2011

      @ A Voice

      The Police are accustomed to this which is why they will only separate them for peace sake be it temporarily. You must think beyond. Put on your thinking cap if you have one.

  8. Jacky chan
    December 29, 2011

    As long as they are not fighting over little boys.
    God must be laughing and saying what a bunch of a$$$### holes fighting for prime time. It is all about the collection at prime time

  9. me
    December 29, 2011

    (:

  10. me
    December 29, 2011

    (lol) :lol: boy look at folish people

  11. WIKILEAKS
    December 29, 2011

    I would have loved to see this

  12. SANTUS
    December 29, 2011

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  13. Jerry Frey
    December 29, 2011

    Faith and belief are not the same. God and religion are not synonymous.

    For POSITIVE Facts about Christianity, pls visit:

    http://napoleonlive.info/judas-the-galilean-and-his-unterbrink-books/

    • Reality
      December 29, 2011

      How are we to know what is it to believe? What should i believe even as what were known facts are now questioned. Man’s destiny is bleak when nothing has reason pluralism. Nothing has meaning secularism and every man goes into his selfish beliefs secularism…..In the end one has to believe something or else we will just be in a maze.

      • Justice and Truth
        December 30, 2011

        @ Reality

        Believe in God. Worship Him. Do not bother what others do even though you are surprised. Hopefully it does not affect you personally. There is too much occurring in the world which amaze and baffle us but which we can do nothing about except to pray.
        Pray for all and you will be OK. This is my stand on the matter which gives me much peace.
        God is still in control. He is patient. At the right time every one will receive their due reward or punishment as they deserve. If you live in this manner you will be one happy person no matter what befalls you, what is occurring in the world, what surrounds you and what you hear and read.

        The Serenity Prayer

        O God, grant me the serenity
        To accept the things I cannot change
        Courage to change the things I can
        And the wisdom to know the difference. Amen!

        Therefore, we do what we can and also in our own environment and leave the rest to God. He is not blind, deaf or sleeping. Nothing is hidden from him.

        God bless you! A Happy New Year!

      • plawey
        December 31, 2011

        deep in your heart you know what is wrong and right so follow your heart and let truth prevail reading and meditating on the word of God daily also helps

    • Justice and Truth
      December 30, 2011

      @ Jerry Frey

      As the saying, “As many heads there are, it is as many opinions there will be.” This includes you. It requires no further explanation.

  14. Peter Bo
    December 28, 2011

    A joke dat man:-)

    • Fairplay
      December 28, 2011

      NO,this happens every year at this time.

      • C. bruce
        December 29, 2011

        very true
        the new tourist attraction

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