Armenian, Greek clergy clash in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity

December 29, 2011 - 10:47 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dozens of priests and monks went at it with fists and broomsticks Wednesday, Dec 28, in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity in the West Bank, police said.

The brief brouhaha broke out while about 100 Greek Orthodox and Armenian clergy were taking part in the annual Christmas cleanup at the 6th century holy site. Palestinian police were called in to restore order.

"No one was arrested because all those involved were men of God," Bethlehem police Lt. Col. Khaled al-Tamimi said, UPI reported.

The church, which is jointly administered by the Latin, Orthodox and Armenian churches, is spruced up every year between the Latin Christmas and early January, when the Orthodox sects celebrate Christmas.

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