21.   Christian pilgrims in Damascus often pay their respects at the white marble shrine resembling a large coffin and surrounded by an iron cage.

22.   Christian pilgrims regularly enter the mosque to see a shrine believed to contain the head of John the Baptist.

23.   For Christian pilgrims, civic boosters and seasoned partygoers everywhere, the millennium is shaping up to be the longest party in history.

24.   Groups of Christian pilgrims have gathered in front of the ossuary and prayed, many overcome with emotion at being in contact with artifacts linked so directly to Jesus.

25.   In previous years thousands of Christian pilgrims and tourists have thronged the narrow cobbled streets, waving palm fronds and singing hymns.

26.   Israel expects millions of Christian pilgrims to visit the Holy Land during the millennium.

27.   Israel to allow Christian pilgrims to enter Bethlehem.

28.   Israeli tourism officials are hoping for a ruling from the Pope to boost the numbers of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land as the millenium approaches.

29.   Israeli officials said Christian pilgrims could enter freely, but warned the town could be sealed off in the event of clashes.

30.   Israeli said Christian pilgrims could enter freely, but warned the town could be sealed off in the event of clashes.