Tight security as hundreds of Iraqi Christians attend mass

Описание: (25 Dec 2012)
1. Wide exterior of the Virgin Mary Church
2. Sign reading (English/Arabic) "The Virgin Mary Church"
3. Various of Christian worshippers entering church after being checked by policemen
4. Close up of policeman's gun
5. Worshippers outside church
6. Various of worshippers entering church and making sign of the cross
7. Wide interior of church
8. Wide of church during service
9. Wide of congregation
10. Various of girl singing hymns
11. Various of priest and children around altar reciting prayers
12. Priest addressing congregation
13. Various of congregation singing hymns during service
14. Various of church service
15. Young boys greeting each other outside church
16. Men greeting one another
17. Priest outside church
18. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Priest al-Khori Luwais al-Shami, Head of the Virgin Mary Church:
"I congratulate all Iraqi people on this blessed Eid ''Christmas'', wishing them prosperity and welfare. I pray for them to live in peace as if they were one family."
19. Cars driving past church
STORYLINE:
Iraqi Christians attended a morning mass at the Virgin Mary Church in downtown Baghdad on Tuesday to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Dozens of Christian families arrived for the Christmas morning service at the Virgin Mary Church in Baghdad's Karradah neighbourhood, which was built in 1960.
Worshippers were searched by armed police before they were allowed to enter the church.
Since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, Christians have frequently been the target of attacks by Islamic extremists, forcing tens of thousands to flee.
The exact number of Christians left in Iraq is unclear but they are thought to number several hundred thousand.
The priest at the Virgin Mary Church, al-Khori Luwais al-Shami wished his worshippers and all Christians a merry Christmas.
"I pray for them to live in peace as if they were one family," he said.

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