Bulgarian Orthodox Church will not send a delegation for the Holy Fire to Jerusalem

The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has officially decided not to send a delegation to Israel and Jerusalem to bring the Blessed Fire this year. This measure is due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and the high risks to the safety of the mission participants.

According to Orthodox Times, the decision was made amid warnings from Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry, which has set the fifth – the highest – danger level for travel to the region. The diplomatic ministry urges citizens to refrain from visiting Israel and Palestine, and those who are already there to leave immediately.

Despite the absence of an official delegation, the faithful in Bulgaria will still be able to receive a part of the holy relic. The Holy Fire, which has been preserved in the capital since last year, will be available at the Synod Chapel of St. Tsar Boris-Michael on Great Saturday, April 11, after 14:00. The Holy Synod also called on Orthodox Christians to pray earnestly for a speedy end to the conflict in the Middle East and the establishment of peace both in the Holy Land and throughout the world.