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World News

Small Christmas tree stands in Lebanon amongst 'catastrophic' church ruins

by Lydia Davies

In the rubble of St. George Melkite Catholic Church in southern Lebanon, a Christmas tree now stands.

Once a vibrant spiritual center, the 18th-century church was reduced to ruins by an Israeli airstrike in October, as reported by the Mail Online.

Georges Elia, a dedicated churchgoer, decided to bring a glimmer of hope to his community.

He told the outlet: "Christmas this year comes with sadness, but we didn't want it to pass without light".

There are no twinkling lights on the tree due to damaged power lines, nor a Nativity scene, but the spirit of Christmas shines through.

"Christ is born in our hearts, lit with love" he declared.

The church has endured destruction before-once during Israel's invasion in 1978 and again in 1992.

Yet, this latest damage is considered "catastrophic".

Father Maurice el Khoury, who has led the church for over a decade, described the moment he saw the ruins: "I lost my balance. I couldn’t comprehend the destruction."

The financial cost of rebuilding is staggering, estimated at $3 million (£2,395).

For now, Sunday Mass is held in a small underground room, lit by mobile phones.

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