Christians

'A beacon of tolerance': Holy Fire ceremony marked in Jerusalem's Old City

Jerusalem's Municipality had worked with the Tourism and Interior Ministries to prepare for the event, with Mayor Moshe Lion extending his blessing to the Jerusalem Christian community.

Christian worshippers take part in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City during the Easter holiday on April 11, 2026.
Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa is welcomed by Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of their meeting at 10 Downing Street in central London, Britain, March 31, 2026.

Syria’s minorities question German, British silence on sectarian violence during Sharaa’s visit

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa attends Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025.

When faith meets security: Understanding the Palm Sunday incident amid the Iran war - editorial

People gather as policemen arrive at the scene of an attack, the morning after gunmen killed multiple people in an overnight attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria March 30, 2026.

Gunmen kill at least 30 in attack on university community in Nigeria's Plateau state


Tis the season to flog Israel - opinion

Western media blame Israel for the decline in Christianity, ignoring the real threat, which is radical Islamic persecution.

People attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, on December 14, 2025.

FOZ founder Mike Evans tells Netanyahu evangelicals are ‘overwhelmingly united’ in Israel support

Netanyahu framed the relationship as historically decisive, telling the group: “You are representatives of the Christian Zionists who made Jewish Zionism possible.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a press conference with US President Donald Trump (not pictured) after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

Christian communities grow slowly as share of population falls in Middle East, North Africa

Analysts say the pattern is driven by a mix of factors: outward migration, lower birth rates, and increasingly, disaffiliation or conversion.

A large decorated Christmas tree is lit as a crowd watches a live performance on stage during the tree-lighting ceremony in Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the West Bank

Trump administration Christmas messages emphasize Jesus in overtly religious terms

While previous presidents have routinely issued Christmas greetings, they have typically emphasized themes of charity, family, and goodwill, using language that includes Americans of all faiths.

President Donald Trump participates in NORAD Santa tracker phone calls, on Christmas Eve, from the Mar-a-lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 24, 2025.

A look at Israel's winter wonderland in the Galilee, where Christmas comes to life

The Galilee’s Christian villages, where winter lights, festive traditions, and community bring the holiday season to life

Tour Guide Ofek Ron Carmel leads Israeli tourists from all backgrounds through the cobblestone streets of Mi’ilya. They wear Santa hats to be festive and keep their ears warm.

Byzantine-era coins, ring discovered in Judean Desert point to Christian presence in region

The site is linked historically with Saint Sabbas, one of the founders of Judean Desert monasticism, whose legacy shaped monastic practices for centuries.

Rare Byzantine-era gold coins discovered at the Hyrcania archaeological site in the northern Judean Desert.

‘Every year they burn trees’: Jenin church firebombing renews scrutiny of Palestinian Authority

“Attacks on Christians, their sites & symbols are unacceptable at all times. Even more so, as we approach Christmas this week,” the ministry said.

The firebombing of a church in Jenin and the burning of a Christmas tree and  Nativity Grotto this week have renewed scrutiny of the treatment of Christians under the Palestinian Authority.

Amanda Seyfried learns about Shaker founder for film ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’

Amanda Seyfried portrays Ann Lee, the 18th-century Shaker movement leader, in The Testament of Ann Lee, exploring her vision of equality and communal living.

Amanda Seyfried attends the fifth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California, October 18, 2025; illustrative.

Christians in Israel: Nazareth tops Israel’s Christian cities as Christmas arrives

Israel's 184,200 Christians mark Christmas as CBS data reveals a community with remarkable education rates and deep roots across Nazareth, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

People enjoy a Christmas festival at the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, December 22, 2025.

One in four Israeli Jews celebrate or consider celebrating Christmas - poll

The poll reflects the wider cultural presence of Christmas in Israeli public spaces, including markets, decorations, and seasonal events.

People attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, on December 14, 2025.