The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has decided not to send a delegation to Israel and the Holy City of Jerusalem for the transfer of the Holy Fire this year, due to ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.
The decision comes in light of the current security situation, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria has issued a Level 5 travel risk warning, the highest level, advising against all travel to Israel and Palestine and urging citizens to leave the region.
Despite the absence of an official delegation, the Holy Fire will still be available to the faithful in Bulgaria. The flame, which is preserved in the capital, can be received at the Synodal Chapel of Saint Tsar Boris-Michael after 2:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 11.
The Holy Synod also called upon Orthodox Christians to offer fervent prayers for the cessation of the conflict in the Middle East and for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world.
