Priests fighting (WWJD)

[almaty 19]

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.

The clean-up turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section.

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

whoa, sounds like my house when the old man..make us clean our rooms....

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Crazy! Do they have the Armenian section of the church sectioned off with a white stripe of paint?

[almaty 19]

no...with duct tape....

[Nagishkaw 510]

Good Lord !

[Kevin and 10]

Sounds like the bloods and crypts still aren't getting along.

Edited December 28, 2007 by Kevin and Tuyen

[almaty 19]

it is sad..i assume..the cleaning of the church..was an overwhelming religious experience and fistcuffs broke out..kind of like me..cleaning the toilet

[eric&gen 0]

They forgot there medication again lol.

[Amby 490]

the american section has armed guards

[almaty 19]

the american section has armed guards

yeap..and patriot missles

[one...two...tree 2,762]

the american section has armed guards

yeap..and patriot missles

LOL...aimed at the non-American sections of the church.

[almaty 19]

the american section has armed guards

yeap..and patriot missles

LOL...aimed at the non-American sections of the church.

yes, to shoot down flying brooms

[JODO 2]

ridiculous

[panamania79 2]

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.

The clean-up turned ugly after some of the Orthodox faithful stepped inside the Armenian church's section.

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

whoa, sounds like my house when the old man..make us clean our rooms....

Can't we all just get along ?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Jesus would cry in shame.