Brawl in Bethlehem

A fight broke out at at the Church of the Nativity between monks who battled with brooms. The groups each claim the right to clean up the church after Christmas celebrations are over. Palestinian security forces intervened between Armenians and Greek Orthodox at the site, traditionally considered the place of Jesus' birth. The Orthodox church holds Christmas celebrations in early January. No serious injuries were reported. It has taken years for an agreement to be worked out between the groups over replacing the roof. Repairs on the deteriorating structure is supposed to begin in the next year.