The presence of the faithful will be restricted at this year’s Holy Fire Ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday. Israeli authorities have maintained the strict security measures they have previously outlined in the Old City of Jerusalem due to the ongoing regional tensions.
This extends to all Holy Week services which will be conducted exclusively without the participation of the faithful and with only the clergy present.
Israeli police have introduced detailed restrictions about access for worshippers and clergy. They have limited the number of Orthodox clergy allowed in the church to 15, and representatives of other Christian denominations will also be present to participate in the ceremony.
Greece is currently communicating with the relevant authorities to ensure a Greek delegation can participate in the service and will follow the strict protocol. Their discussions involve the number of representatives who will be permitted to attend.
International reactions to this restriction include Germany’s Foreign Ministry who has reportedly expressed concern that such measures could further heighten tensions.
Regarding Catholic celebrations, the Israeli police stated: “Following a productive meeting between the Israel Police and Latin Catholic Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a mutual framework has been established for upcoming Easter ceremonies. Due to the complex security reality of Operation ‘Roaring Lion,’ ceremonies including the ‘Holy Fire’ will be held in a symbolic, limited format.”
The police emphasised the importance of ensuring safety for all involved.
“This coordination ensures that freedom of worship is maintained alongside our shared, primary duty: the protection of human life. In the past few weeks, Iranian missiles and debris have impacted within the Old City. These life-saving restrictions are a direct response to a real and present danger to all worshippers,” they said.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, together with the Custody of the Holy Land, confirmed in an official statement that arrangements for Holy Week have been coordinated with authorities. They assured that access for Church representatives has been secured so that services may be conducted properly and the ancient Paschal traditions at the Holy Sepulchre can continue.
Source: Orthodox Times
