What do Christians do between the two Christmas'?

[Jim Johnson]

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) -- Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests attacked each other with brooms and stones inside the Church of the Nativity as long-standing rivalries erupted in violence during holiday cleaning on Thursday.


A general view from the Church of the Nativity compound in the West Bank town of Bethlehem.

The basilica, built over the grotto in Bethlehem where Christians believe Jesus was born, is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities.

Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can touch off vicious feuds.

On Thursday, dozens of priests and cleaners were scrubbing the church ahead of the Armenian and Orthodox Christmas, celebrated in early January. Thousands of tourists visited the church this week for Christmas celebrations.

But the clean-up turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section, touching off a scuffle between about 50 Greek Orthodox and 30 Armenians.

Palestinian police, armed with batons and shields, quickly formed a human cordon to separate the two sides so the cleaning could continue, then ordered an Associated Press photographer out of the church.

Four people, some with blood running from their faces, were slightly wounded.

[Puke]

God be praised!
Another violent outburst from the followers of the Prince of Peace. 

[Pat K]

Now see that never happens when you celebrate CHRIATMAS. 

[Jim Johnson]

How do you become a Chriatman?
Is it like when you become Gay?  Do you have to go to 4 years of classes in the Navy and carry a card that you have to renew every two years?

[KBCraig]

How do you become a Chriatman?
Is it like when you become Gay?  Do you have to go to 4 years of classes in the Navy and carry a card that you have to renew every two years?

And shove a hot torch arm-deep into a hole until fireworks start to happen?

[Lloyd Danforth]

Moderator?

[Russell Kanning]

they do it at a lower degree all year

When I visited there one of our professors joked with us about how they fight for territory with their brooms at the church of the holy sepulcer in jerusalem. They each had different zones and seemed to be constantly sweeping.

[Pat K]

How do you become a Chriatman?
Is it like when you become Gay?  Do you have to go to 4 years of classes in the Navy and carry a card that you have to renew every two years?

No No No, there are no classes or cards, you just need good cheer.
Also if you like It, there is a Beer ceremony, but it's not mandatory.

[Pat K]

How do you become a Chriatman?
Is it like when you become Gay?  Do you have to go to 4 years of classes in the Navy and carry a card that you have to renew every two years?

And shove a hot torch arm-deep into a hole until fireworks start to happen?

Well there was that saying Boiler men, we put fire in the hole.

[Jim Johnson]

How do you become a Chriatman?
Is it like when you become Gay?  Do you have to go to 4 years of classes in the Navy and carry a card that you have to renew every two years?

No No No, there are no classes or cards, you just need good cheer.
Also if you like It, there is a Beer ceremony, but it's not mandatory.

OK, I'll try it... but I want the Beer ceremony.   

[David]

God be praised!
Another violent outburst from the followers of the Prince of Peace. 

First thing I thought of when I read the story the other day.     Nothing more pitiful then a bunch of senior citizens getting into a fight during what is supposed to be the most holy time of year for christians, while preparing for that holy time. 

[John Edward Mercier]

Were they preparing for Easter?

[Pat McCotter]

Were they preparing for Easter?

Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolics celebrate Christmas on January 6.

[John Edward Mercier]

I meant that Easter is the holiest day for Christians. 

[ReverendRyan]

I meant that Easter is the holiest day for Christians. 

No, it's the holiest day for the church. The holiest day for christians is Halloween, when they can pass out Chick tracts and act like general assholes then cry persecution.

Persecution complex : Christians :: Orgasms : Bonobo Monkeys