Palestinian student rings bells for prayer services of Armenian Church

PanARMENIAN.Net - A Palestinian college student is one of the last keepers of a fading tradition -- ringing the bells of Bethlehem. Twice per week, Khadir Jaraiseh climbs to the roof of the Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto where tradition says Jesus was born. He pulls the ropes of four bells in a rooftop tower for a total of 33 times to symbolize the number of years Jesus was believed to have lived, the Associated Press reports.

Jaraiseh rings the bells for prayer services of the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of three denominations that administer the basilica, one of Christianity's holiest shrines. The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox denominations at the Nativity church -- each of which has its own set of bells -- have switched to automatic bell-ringing.

But there's something special about the traditional approach, said Jaraiseh, who uses both hands and a floor pedal to pull the ropes.

"I feel like I'm making music and talking to God," said the 22-year-old, who has worked at the church for four years and is studying to become a tourist guide. "There is nothing better than working in the place of Jesus' birth."

Jaraiseh rings the bells two days per week and an older colleague covers the remaining five days. During the Christmas season, his task is particularly enjoyable, he said.

Jaraiseh said Christmas remains the highlight of his year despite the political situation. "We wait for it, it's a happy day and we feel happy, regardless," he said.

The Armenians mark Christmas on Jan 6. The day before, Jaraiseh will ring the bells for longer, while the Christmas Eve procession of the Armenian Patriarch makes its way into church. Though he is the bell-ringer for the Armenians, Jaraiseh is Roman Catholic and celebrates Christmas this week.