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Gift items from Bethlehem offered at St. Stephen's

| 26 Nov 2013 | 08:20
    Photo by Roger Gavan Parishioners view a large selection of religious carvings made from the olive tree, which is frequently referred to in the Gospels.
    Photo by Roger Gavan Parishioners view a large selection of religious carvings made from the olive tree, which is frequently referred to in the Gospels.

WARWICK — A group of visitors from the Holy Land were on hand after all the Masses celebrated at the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr on Saturday evening, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 24.

Representing a Christian community of artisans living just outside Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, they were offering for sale a large selection of religious carvings made from the olive tree, which is frequently referred to in the Gospels.

Laith Dakrath and his family visit parishes each year at this time on behalf the artisans who depend on the income from the sale of their carvings.

He reported that the Christian community in the area of Bethlehem, once about 22 per cent of the population, is now less than one per cent. And that tourism, which was a source of income, has been significantly reduced. The city is under the administration of the Palestinian National Authority.

For additional information in the United States call 732-773-6956 or e-mail: giftsfrombethlehem@yahoo.com.