For “hard” restrictions, which will create problems in the effort of the faithful to visit the Holy Sepulcher, during ceremony of Touching the Holy Lightupdates it Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

“We have been unable to coordinate with the Israeli authorities as they impose unreasonable and unprecedented restrictions on access to the Holy Sepulcher. These harsh restrictions will create a problem in accessing the Holy Sepulcher and the Holy Light ceremony. The police are unjustly and inappropriately tying the hands of the churches with unreasonable restrictions that will prevent the faithful “to attend especially in our beloved community,” the statement emphasized.

The Patriarchate declares its determination to carry out the ceremony, as has been customary for two millennia, and invites all who wish to attend.

The announcement in detail:

“This week marks the holiest week in Christianity – Holy Week. We remember the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, and we remember His glorious Resurrection. The ceremony of Touching the Holy Light is a great moment that connects believers with the Light of Jesus Christ. This ceremony has been reverently taking place in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for almost 2,000 years, attracting Christians and more from all over the world.

Every year, the churches coordinate with the Authorities to ensure that the ceremony can take place without any problems. In particular, last year the Israeli authorities imposed barriers throughout the old city, which made it impossible for the local Christian communities and our pilgrims to access the ceremony of the Holy Light at the Holy Sepulcher, preventing them from worshiping freely and witnessing the miracle of Resurrection.

This year, after many good faith efforts, we have been unable to coordinate with the Israeli authorities as they impose unreasonable and unprecedented restrictions on access to the Holy Sepulcher, more so than last year. These harsh restrictions will limit the church’s access to the Holy Sepulcher and the Touching of the Holy Light ceremony. The police unfairly and inappropriately put the burden on churches (to invite certain people), while tying the hands of churches with unreasonable restrictions that will prevent believers from attending, especially in our beloved community.

As the Patriarchate clearly stated in its announcement 2 days ago, we will hold the ceremony as it has been customary for 2 millennia and invite all who wish to attend. With that clear, we leave the authorities to act as they wish. The churches will function freely and in peace.”

The Touch of the Holy Light

According to the program announced by Patriarchate of Jerusalem the ceremony will take place at 1 pm on Holy Saturday, April 15, 2023.

The Resurrection ceremony will take place at 12 midnight. On Easter Sunday, the Monday Resurrection ceremony will take place at 1 p.m.

Among others, the Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Greece, Archimandrite Raphael, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andreas Katsaniotis, had discussed the ceremony of the Holy Light during their meeting in mid-March. Both the Exarch and Mr. Katsaniotis, who will also be the head of the Greek mission, will be in a few days at the Paniero Church of the Resurrection for the ceremony.