Holy Sites open in Jerusalem and Greek delegation prepares for the delivery of the Holy Fire

On Holy Thursday, access to the great shrines of the three monotheistic religions, which have been closed by the police since the beginning of the current military conflict, is resumed in Jerusalem. Amid the tense geopolitical situation, the Greek delegation confirmed plans for the delivery of the Holy Fire, which will take place under heightened security measures next Saturday.

According to Orthodoxia News Agency, the current military situation has put an unprecedented strain on Easter celebrations. Despite the opening of access to the Holy Sites in the Old City – the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Mosque Square – police continue to severely restrict the passage of pilgrims. Due to security measures, many religious ceremonies these days are held outside the Old City, where restrictions are less strict.

Special attention is being paid to the procedure for receiving the Holy Fire. On Saturday morning, a special flight from Greece will leave for Ben-Gurion Airport. While the crew will remain at the airport, the official delegation will travel to Jerusalem. The path from the Patriarchate to the Temple of the Resurrection will be organized along an internal route under heavy police control.

Greek spokesman Yannis Loverdos stressed that the situation remains extremely difficult, but the authorities have done everything necessary to ensure the transportation of the flame, as in previous years. The Greek Foreign Ministry and Air Force are considering various scenarios up to the last moment to guarantee the safety of the mission amid constant missile threats in the region. The interior and exterior of the shrine will be closed to the masses of pilgrims during the ceremony.