Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Monks Clash at Bethlehem Birthplace of Jesus; Greek Orthodox, Armenians Feud over Space

The annual cleaning of one of Christianity's holiest churches deteriorated into a brawl between rival clergy today (December 28, 2011), as dozens of monks -- feuding over sacred space at the Church of the Nativity -- battled each other with brooms until police intervened, according to the Associated Press website.

The ancient church -- built over the traditional site of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem -- is shared by three Christian denominations: Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, and Armenians.

Today's fight erupted when Greek and Armenian clergy accused each other of encroaching on parts of the church to which each lays claim.

Palestinian security forces rushed in to break up the melee, and no serious injuries were reported.

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