Thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered in the historic Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the centuries-old Holy Fire ceremony, marking the miraculous appearance of light within a sacred basilica. The event, believed to have occurred since at least 1,200 years ago, has sparked both wonder and controversy.
The Greek patriarch entered the Holy Edicule, a chamber built on the site where Jesus is said to be buried, with two lit candles. As he passed them around, the flame overcame darkness in the rotunda. The ceremony was later transferred to Orthodox communities worldwide.
However, tensions surrounding the event have risen, particularly between Israel and local Palestinian Christians. In 1834, a stampede broke out, killing 400 pilgrims. Since then, Israeli authorities have sought to limit participants due to safety concerns, prompting protests from church leaders who claim it disrupts the status quo.
On Saturday, worshippers passed through checkpoints, some lamenting the reduced turnout due to Israel’s war on Gaza. The Old City remains a site of tension between Israelis and Palestinians, with perceived infringements on the status quo fueling brawls among monks. Despite this, Israel maintains its commitment to freedom of worship for all faiths.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/4/20/thousands-gather-for-centuries-old-holy-fire-ceremony-in-jerusalem