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PALESTINIAN STUDENT RINGS BELLS FOR PRAYER SERVICES OF ARMENIAN CHURCH


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#1 Yervant1

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Posted 26 December 2013 - 03:34 PM

PALESTINIAN STUDENT RINGS BELLS FOR PRAYER SERVICES OF ARMENIAN CHURCH

December 24, 2013 - 16:25 AMT

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.

http://www.panarmeni...Armenian_Church
 






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