His Excellency, Prime Minister Dr. Salaam Fayyad attends Holy Saturday Celebrations in Beit Sahour
Thousands of locals and internationals joined in the joyous celebration in front of the Greek Orthodox Church. The local scouts and marching bands created a festive atmosphere, encouraging dancing and singing among the on lookers, including our esteemed guest, Dr. Fayyad.
The Prime Minister has been a regular guest of Beit Sahour festivities, most recently attending the Great Joy Celebration of 2009 and honored the city by lighting the Christmas tree.
|
On Holy Saturday, April 3, 2010, His Excellency, Prime Minister Dr. Salaam Fayyad spent the better part of his day participating in activities throughout Beit Sahour. Dr. Salaam Fayyad arrived around 11:00 am and was received by Mayor Hani Al-Hayek, municipal council members and various community leaders at the municipality. Afterwards, Dr. Fayyad attended the grand opening of Mishhama Street where he cut the ceremonial ribbon. The Prime Minister was then hosted by the Greek Orthodox Housing Society in the cooperative's park for a barbeque lunch. 
The highlight of the day was the reception of the Holy Fire which arrived (by taxi-no kidding) from Jerusalem at approximately 3:00 pm. The Holy Fire appears annually at the Church of the Sepulchre in Jerusalem during a special ceremony performed by the Greek Orthodox priests. It is then carried and distributed to all the churches in the West Bank and to other churches in Lebanon and Jordan. Believe it or not the Holy Fire was transported in taxis 
Before leaving Beit Sahour, His Excellency paid a special visit to Our Lady of Fatima Church where he expressed upon the great beauty of the marble alter which was hand carved by local artisans in 1859. 
