Israel Police: The Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem will take place in a limited format due to security measures

In 2026, the traditional ceremony of the descent of the Blessed Fire in Jerusalem will be held in a “symbolic and limited format”. This decision was made following a meeting between representatives of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, the Armenian Patriarchate and the leadership of the Israeli police.

According to the Greek Orthodoxia News Agency, the decision to limit the scope of the celebrations was formalized on March 31, 2026 during negotiations with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. An official Israeli law enforcement statement emphasized that the measure was dictated by the “legal and moral obligation of the police to protect and preserve human life.”

According to the current orders of the Home Front Command, imposed as part of the “Roaring Lion” operational campaign, the holy sites of the Old City remain closed to the masses of worshippers. A broad convergence of views was reached during the dialog with the Church hierarchy: the parties agreed that the current security situation does not allow for the multi-thousand gatherings that characterize the celebration of Holy Saturday in normal years.

Despite the restrictions, the main religious rituals will be performed, but access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre will be strictly regulated to maximize the safety of participants in the face of continuing risks.