Members of rival Christian orders have traded blows at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, with four people reported wounded in the fray.Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic priests were sweeping up at the church following the Christmas rites of the Western churches earlier in the week.
Reports say some Orthodox faithful encroached on the Armenian section, prompting pitched battles with brooms.
Intense rivalries at the jointly-run church can set off vicious feuds.
The basilica, built over the grotto in the West Bank town that is the reputed birthplace of Jesus Christ is shared by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian religious authorities.
One report says the dispute started when the Greek Orthodox contingent wanted to place a ladder over the Armenian portion.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Church of the Nativity is Thunderdome
Two clerics enter. One cleric leaves.
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