LAST UPDATE: 12:30
Deliberations are ongoing regarding how the transfer of the Holy Fire to Greece will take place, as well as the ceremony of its lighting at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, due to the heightened tensions caused by the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Hellenic Air Force, has taken all necessary measures for the travel of the Greek delegation to Jerusalem and the transportation of the Holy Fire. However, procedures remain under continuous consultation, as Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos stated.
Critical decisions are expected to be made on Wednesday regarding the number and composition of the delegation traveling to Jerusalem, as well as the method of transporting the Holy Fire. The mission is expected to be small in scale, following the model used during the pandemic period.
Metropolitan of Kilkis: The Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem is expected to take place as planned
The Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem is expected to take place as planned, according to Metropolitan Bartholomew of Polyani and Kilkis and representative of the Holy Synod, who spoke to ERTNews.
While expressing optimism, the Metropolitan highlighted the challenging conditions currently prevailing in Jerusalem. “The ceremony will take place as usual, and the Patriarch will be able to participate in all the services,” he stated, adding that “there are reports that there will not be a large number of people inside the church.”
He emphasized that the Greek State is making significant efforts to ensure the transfer of the Holy Fire to Greece. “The Greek State is making dedicated efforts and going above and beyond so that we may receive the blessing of the Holy Light in Greece,” he noted.
The Metropolitan also underlined that there is daily communication with both the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are also waiting to see how the situation develops, so that we can organize the details of our mission accordingly,” he said.
Referring to the current situation in Jerusalem, he pointed out that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains closed to the public, expressing hope that the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday will be celebrated without obstacle, unlike the recent incident involving the Latin Patriarch.
The Metropolitan also stressed the spiritual dimension of the feast, noting that “the Holy Light is generated through the power of our prayer, wherever we may be.” He called on the faithful to remain calm, emphasizing: “Let us not panic, because the same grace and the same blessing remain,” and expressed hope that “with His grace and blessing, everything will proceed well.”
Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Holy and Great Week will be conducted exclusively through sacred services
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem has announced that this year’s celebrations of Holy and Great Week will be conducted exclusively through sacred services, without additional liturgical events such as processions, due to the ongoing war and widespread insecurity in the Holy Land.
In an official statement, the Patriarchate emphasized that “for the third consecutive year, at a time when human suffering weighs heavily on the Holy Land, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem reaffirms its commitment to its spiritual and historical mission,” highlighting its role in “preserving the Christian presence, safeguarding the sanctity of religious rites, and protecting the status quo arrangements.”
The statement underlined that, despite the difficult circumstances, efforts continue to ensure that religious services are held “in their holy places and at their designated times,” stressing that this commitment aims at “preserving our rights and this historical arrangement, and protecting it from any infringement.”
Expressing deep concern for the humanitarian situation, the Patriarchate noted that it “grieves with our people in Gaza and shares their suffering, which violates human dignity and the right to life,” while also pointing to “repeated attacks by settlers against civilians and their property in the West Bank” as part of the broader crisis. It further referred to “the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the prevention of worshippers from performing their prayers there,” describing these developments as affecting religious life and humanity’s spiritual connection to holy sites.
Amid these hardships, the Patriarchate invoked the words of Scripture: “If we suffer with him, we will also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17), affirming that suffering “does not extinguish the light of hope, but rather calls for steadfastness in faith and the preservation of human life.”
Announcing its decision, the Patriarchate stated that it will limit celebrations from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday “to religious rites only, in recognition of the solemnity of the occasion, respect for human suffering, and preservation of the sanctity of these blessed days.”
It also reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to maintaining the Status Quo in its entirety, both historically and legally,” ensuring the protection of holy sites and established religious rights.
Concluding, the Patriarchate offered prayers “that just peace may prevail in our land, that the dignity of every human being may be preserved, and that Jerusalem may remain a living beacon of faith, hope, and love.”
Conditions Set by Israeli Authorities
Israeli authorities have set three key conditions for the ceremony to take place: the completion of restoration works at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the availability of an accessible shelter in case of an attack, and the guarantee of full security conditions.
At the same time, no more than 50 people will be allowed inside the Church, and entry will be permitted only with special authorization. The Israeli Police is reviewing overall security measures for the Easter events, which may even be canceled depending on how the situation evolves.
A final decision on whether the ceremony will take place is expected by tomorrow, April 1, with authorities emphasizing the need for “the full completion of works and the assurance of absolute safety.”
Israel is expected to announce its final decisions by Wednesday, following a meeting with representatives of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
Contacts and Ecclesiastical Concerns
Meanwhile, Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria communicated with Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, expressing concern over the developments.
The Patriarch of Jerusalem reassured that, despite the difficulties, there is an expectation that the services of Holy Week and Easter will not be interrupted, while the Bulgarian Patriarch expressed his support for the Patriarchate and its faithful.
The situation remains fluid, with the coming days considered crucial both for the holding of the sacred ceremony and for the transfer of the Holy Fire to Greece.
by Konstantinos Menyktas
