Christians in middle east

Haifa resident arrested after vandalizing church, spitting on police officer

Dean Mor admitted to the charges against him, but claimed that he had felt threatened both at the church and by the officer at the police station.

Israeli Arab Christians take part in a procession in Haifa Sunday, 11th May 2014
A memorial service is held at Sayyidet al-Najaat Church for five Christians, including a priest, who were killed in attacks in Rumiyeh, north of Beirut, Lebanon, on March 15, 2026.

Lebanese Forces chief welcomes JD Vance’s support for Lebanon’s Christian community

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III takes part in Holy Thursday ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, on April 9, 2026.

Patriarch Theophilos III, Trump to discuss protection of Christians, freedom of worship

‘We were taught to love each other, not to hate. Christians are a peaceful community,’ says Naji Mansour, owner of Mansour Money Change in the Old City. PremiumPremium

'I refuse to hide my cross': Jerusalem's Christians describe a climate of fear


Increase in January pilgrimages to the Holy Land

Improved visa process has been a boon for Israel.

Christian pilgrims dip in the waters of the Jordan River during a baptism ceremony at the Qasr el-Yahud site, near Jericho, in January.

Christians plant trees in Israel on Tu Bishvat

Israel365 helps evangelicals fortify West Bank settlements.

The Seven Species, whose fruits are traditionally eaten on Tu Bishvat

1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows

Palestinian worshipers face enormous amount of pressure

Syriac Christian women pray during mass at the Saint Efram Syriac Orthodox Church in Qamishly, Syria

Jerusalem’s Christian communities feel anxiety in ‘testing’ times

Christian communities are increasingly worried about extremists who want to make the Jewish state one that is solely for Jews.

Christian worshippers in Jerusalem. ‘Early Christian writers spoke of a Jewish Restoration to the Holy Land. After the Reformation this became a movement. In English-speaking countries the 19th and early 20th centuries saw many strong Christian Zionists.’

Celebrating Christmas in the war-torn Middle East

The holiday offers little escape throughout the region and has been politicized in the Palestinian territories.

A Syrian man cycles past a Christmas tree being decorated in the Christian-majority neighbourhood of Hamidiyeh in the old city of Homs

In Pictures: See how the Middle East celebrates Christmas

There might not be any snow, but that doesn't stop the Christians of the Middle East from celebrating in their own way.

 Issa Kassissieh, wearing a Santa Claus costume, rides a camel during the annual Christmas tree distribution by the Jerusalem municipality in Jerusalem's Old City December 21, 2017

Muslim countries on high security alert ahead of Christmas

History of holiday attacks augmented by religious tensions over Trump's decision to move embassy to Jerusalem.

An Indonesian bomb squad policeman holds a rifle as he examines a church before Christmas mass prayer in Bandung, Indonesia, December 23, 2017 in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Picture taken December 23, 2017

After ISIS, Christmas returns to Northern Iraq

The last Christmas mass in the city was held in 2013.

A volunteer in a Santa costume hands out gifts to Iraqi Christians in Najaf, December 2015

Thousands turn out for Christmas parade in Nazareth

Posters declaring “Jerusalem, capital of Palestine” placed around city reminded visitors of political tensions.

Christmas in Nazareth

Record breaking 20% increase in Christmas pilgrims to Israel expected

Tourism Ministry: Over 3.5 million tourists in 2017 – 500,000 more than previous year.

Eastern Orthodox pilgrims in Jerusalem