RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Russian Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Holy Forefathers Church in Hebron was once a lively venue for pilgrims in the late 20th century, but it will have a quiet Orthodox Christmas Eve on Jan. 6. A few Russian women who live in Hebron will come in to offer the season’s greetings to the resident clergy, who will then go to the Greek Orthodox Church of Bethlehem for the occasion.
Located just west of the city center, the large, crucifix-shaped building is the only Christian site in this Palestinian city located in the southern West Bank. Its golden domes, frescoes and gold-painted icons display classical Eastern Orthodox architectural style, but Islamic influence is evident in the oriental motifs and arched windows.
