Christianity in Jenin
- Pilgrims of Hope
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 22
A Living Heritage of Faith and Resilience
Nestled in northern Palestine, Jenin sits atop a scenic hill surrounded by olive, fig, and citrus groves. With a broader population of around 50,000—most of whom are Muslim—the Christian presence here is small yet enduring. Approximately 200 Christians reside in the city of Jenin itself, and they worship together at the Latin parish of the Holy Redeemer, which also operates a coeducational kindergarten catering to Christian and Muslim children alike.
A Parish Rooted in Faith and Community
The Latin parish is the heart of Catholic life in Jenin. All members of the community are Catholic, served by one priest—Father Labib D’eibes—who continues a tradition of pastoral care that began under priests serving from Nazareth. The mission’s buildings, erected between 1950 and 1963 under the guidance of Father Zakaria Shomali, established a local base for worship and services. Later, Father Alphonse Salah orchestrated the addition of the kindergarten. This kindergarten is a model of peaceful coexistence: it educates around 80 to 90 Muslim children alongside Christian peers, under a diverse administration team of one Christian woman and both Muslim and Christian teachers. It reflects the interfaith harmony woven into the fabric of daily life in Jenin.
But this community’s faith endures in the face of challenges. The city contends with the constraints of occupation—checkpoints, restricted movement—and high unemployment that pushes many young people toward migration.
Surrounding Faith: The Church of the Ten Lepers in Burqin
A short distance west of Jenin lies the town of Burqin, home to an ancient Greek Orthodox Christian enclave—approximately 20 families—centred around the remarkable Burqin Church (also called the Church of the Ten Lepers or St. George’s). This venerable site, considered the third-oldest church in the world and among the holiest Christian sites globally, stands atop a Byzantine foundation and lies over the cave where, according to tradition, Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17)
Biblically, the cave marks the spot where these isolated, afflicted individuals met Jesus on his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. One of them—a Samaritan—returned to express his gratitude, an act Jesus used to teach about faith and thanksgiving.
Archaeological layers reveal its deep history: the original cave, a fourth-century church believed founded by Saint Helena in Byzantine times, Crusader-era renovations in the 12th century, and subsequent Ottoman-era and modern restorations.
Noteworthy artifacts endure within its walls: a nearly 900‑year‑old baptismal font, a unique stone patriarch’s throne, an ancient stone altar wall, a 250‑year‑old icon of Christ, and relics discovered during restoration—such as priests’ remains, an Arabic Gospel, a Byzantine ring, and vessels of blessed oil. Pilgrimage to the church has intensified, increasing from visits just two or three times a month to nearly daily pilgrim arrivals.
A Shared Landscape of Faith
The Christian communities of Jenin and Burqin exist within a shared geographical and spiritual landscape, each maintaining a distinct yet interconnected identity. In Jenin, the Latin parish nurtures a small, tightly knit Catholic presence through worship, education, and interfaith cooperation. In Burqin, a Greek Orthodox minority sustains one of Christianity’s oldest churches, preserving sacred history and continuing to receive pilgrims.
In both places, the Christian narrative is one of quiet perseverance—communities bounded by faith, enriched by interfaith engagement, and sustained by a shared commitment to heritage, hospitality, and hope amidst adversity.
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