The Israeli police allegedly prevent people from freely exercising their right to worship in the 'Holy Fire' ceremony. The authorities reportedly limit the number of pilgrims permitted to attend the celebration on Saturday, Apr. 8.
Restrictions of Authorities
On the evening before Easter, thousands of Christians can be found crammed into the Basilica constructed on the site where it is said that Jesus Christ was buried and later rose from the dead.
Agenzia Fides reported that worshippers are there to participate in the pre-Easter rite of the "Holy Fire," which is still an event that is greatly cherished by the communities of Orthodox Churches and ancient Eastern churches around the world. During the pandemic, the rite of the Holy Fire was also celebrated while adhering to the precautions taken for people's health that prevented them from congregating in large groups.
This year, the Israeli police have ordered that the ceremony be attended by no more than 1800 Orthodox Christians and Armenian Christians, in addition to 200 members of the Israeli security force.
Moreover, Kentucky Today reported the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Father Mattheos Siopis, stated on Wednesday, Apr. 5, that their efforts to negotiate with the police on their "heavy-handed" restrictions were unsuccessful.
They would reportedly perform the ritual as they have done for the past two millennia and extend an invitation to everyone interested in worshiping alongside them. Father Siopis noted that they would step back and let those in charge handle things as they will. "The churches will freely worship and do so in peace," he added.
Furthermore, Chief Superintendent Yoram Segal of the Jerusalem District Police asserted in an interview that safety is the police's primary concern when Muslims, Christians, and Jews celebrate their respective holidays in the one-square-kilometer Old City.
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'Holy Fire' Celebration
Sepulchre Candles stated that the Holy Fire Ceremony has existed for centuries. It occurs annually on Holy Saturday, the day before the Orthodox Church commemorates Easter, at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The celebration honors a miracle that has occurred in the same place, at the same time, and in the same way from its humble beginnings. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus Christ was buried and resurrected, hosts the event that has inspired Christians for centuries. The ceremony annually attracts tens of thousands to Jerusalem and has been controversial for decades, even within Christian Church factions.
Accordingly, a blue light is reported to emanate from the stone slab known as the "Stone of Anointing" on the Saturday before the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. It is said that the behavior of the light changes from year to year, but one thing remains the same: it will not cause one's clothes or skin to catch fire. The Holy Fire rises into the air and creates a column, which may be reminiscent of the pillar of fire described in Exodus 13:21. From this fire, two candles are lighted, and then those candles are utilized to light the candles of the many people who have congregated both within and outside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In addition, the Holy Fire is believed to have moved about the region before leaving.
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