Descent of Holy Fire to be accompanied by unprecedented security measures

Israeli police spokesman Mikhail Zingerman. Photo: bravo.israelperson.co.il

Due to the ongoing military actions and threats of terrorism, local authorities are implementing "unprecedented security measures" during the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire on May 4, 2024, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This was reported to "Strana" by the press secretary of the Israeli police, Mikhail Zingerman.

On the eve of Orthodox Easter in Jerusalem, the ceremony will take place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally attended by thousands of pilgrims from many countries, including Ukraine.

This will be the first "military" Easter in Jerusalem in many years, as Israel is currently effectively in a state of war. Therefore, as the Israeli police predict, there will be fewer pilgrims than usual.

"The Church of the Holy Sepulchre can accommodate up to 9,000 people at once. But there may be fewer people because there are not many pilgrims this year due to the ongoing military actions, compared to previous years. Entry to the territory of the church for participation in the ceremony will be allowed only to those who have received the appropriate permits," said Mikhail Zingerman.

To enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire, pilgrims must have permits issued by their respective denominations and distributed by the decisions of their leaders.

"Hundreds of police officers from the Jerusalem District Police will ensure security and public order from Saturday morning in the Old City area. Naturally, unprecedented security measures will be taken regarding the threat of terrorism. Checks and operational work are underway," said the press secretary of the Israeli police.

Pilgrims from Ukraine hope to attend the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Two groups have arrived from different parts of Ukraine. They are accommodated in the Old City.

Ukrainian Orthodox believers say that the war in Israel and Gaza does not frighten them.

"It is much more dangerous for us in Ukraine right now. In our group, there are people from Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa. We flew from Chisinau," said the leader of the Ukrainian pilgrim group.

They do not have special passes, but they hope that they will be allowed in at the last moment, as there are indeed fewer pilgrims than usual this year.

As reported by the UOC Information and Education Department, the descent of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem will be broadcast live.

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