After 40 days, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reopened its doors, having remained closed due to restrictive measures imposed as a result of the war.
This followed a revision of the guidelines for places of worship in Jerusalem by the Israeli police.
In a related statement, the police announced that, due to changes in defence policy, updated guidelines from the Israeli military’s Home Front Command and the ceasefire with Iran, Jerusalem’s holy sites are reopening to the public for visits and prayer.
These include the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount. Due to the expected increase in visitors, the commander of the Jerusalem District has ordered heightened operational readiness, according to the authorities. Consequently, hundreds of police officers, border guards, and volunteers will be deployed throughout the city, covering major roads, the Old City, and the holy sites.
According to the statement, the primary objectives are to ensure safe access for worshippers and visitors and to safeguard freedom of worship while maintaining public order and security.
On the morning of Holy Thursday, the Washing of the Feet service was conducted by the Patriarch and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre Fathers, while a significant number of the faithful had already gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. However, it remains unclear whether there will be any changes to the Holy Fire ceremony or to the number of Brotherhood members permitted inside the church. A meeting between the Patriarchate and the Old City police is expected later today or tomorrow to finalise the arrangements.
It should be noted that, under the previous decision, the ceremony was to be attended by the Patriarch and 15 members of the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre inside the Holy Church. The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was also to be present to receive the Holy Light and transport it to Greece.
Source: erthnews.gr
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
