Eastern Christians celebrated Christmas on January 6. The day began with the solemn entrance - accompanied by scout groups - of Mgr. Gabriel Daho, Vicar for Jerusalem and Jordan of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate, followed by that of H.E. Mgr. Anba Antonios, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Near East. The most awaited moment was the arrival of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. Mgr. Enbakom, Patriarchal Vicar of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, concluded the solemn entrances. Mgr GABRIEL DAHO Archbishop Vicar Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate "The birth of the Savior, the birth of the King of Peace is an important occasion. He has come for peace, and we hope that peace will prevail throughout the world. Especially in these difficult conditions, and with the spread of the epidemic, we must be ready spiritually as well. We hope that 2021 will be a year of hope and peace for the whole world." HE Mgr ANBA ANTONIOS Archbishop of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Near East "Christ's message to the whole world on this feast is a message of peace, and we ask him, "King of Peace, give us peace." We are going through difficult times with the spread of the pandemic. Most of the inhabitants of this city depend on tourism and because of the closure there are many who are out of work. We ask God to make the pandemic disappear and bring joy to the earth." HB TEOFILO III Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem "We ask our Lord Jesus Christ for health, strength and wisdom so that we can continue our journey together." This year' celebrations, including Midnight Mass, were limited to religious rites only, due to restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic. SIMON AWWAD Bethlehem "There is no joy, the pandemic has affected people psychologically and economically. In the year 2000, that is during the Intifada, we were not affected as we are now. We hope that this year, and with Christmas, the pandemic will end and that it will be a year of good for everyone. The most important thing is that we love each other, and wish each other love, only love." This year, Christmas has arrived for everyone under very difficult conditions that are affecting both the people of the Holy Land and the world at large, but it brings with it hope that light will prevail over darkness and disease.