Many of our Christian partners belong to the Orthodox family of churches. Most Orthodox Christians in the Middle East will celebrate Christmas on 7th January, - but have you ever wondered how and why this difference came about? 

This Christmas, we bring you a blog from Embrace Trustee and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College the Rev. Dr Munther Isaac reflecting on how intimately Palestinian Christians can identify with the Jesus whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.

The word ‘peace’ can be defined in many ways. Is it the harmony and undisturbed coexistence with neighbours? Is it the welfare of the nation without internal strife and any external threat? Here, Archbishop Samyv explores the meaning of peace.

In our first blog of this Advent season, the Very Revd Canon Richard Sewell writes of fragile glimmers of hope for peace in Israel/Palestine, and why we must hold on to them.

Coventry Cathedral is a building full of symbols, each carefully chosen and placed to point to something greater than themselves. Here, our very own Su McClellan, a Deacon at the Cathedral, takes us through these potent symbols of peace.

Middle East expert Dr Harry Hagopian reflects on Gillian Mosely’s film, the Tinderbox, screened by Embrace in October.

Rami Khader is the Director of the East Jerusalem YMCA’s Rehabilitation Programme. Here, Rami explores the long term effects that home demolition in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has on Palestinian families, particularly children.

The olive tree is a universal symbol of peace. It is also a powerful symbol of Palestinian rootedness in their land.

‘The sad truth is that if we remain in our echo chambers, we stunt our growth as human beings. It’s a choice.’