Israeli Police Restrict Access to Church of Holy Sepulchre During Orthodox Easter
Date
4/13/2023 5:29:30 AM
(MENAFN) Israeli Police will limit the number of worshippers allowed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem during Orthodox Easter ceremonies on Saturday, a move that has drawn anger from church leaders who have said they will not cooperate. The decision to restrict access to the Holy Fire ceremony, which is the most significant Easter celebration for the Eastern Orthodox Church, has sparked outrage among church leaders who view it as part of long-standing efforts by Israel to limit the rights and freedoms of the local Christian community. They have described the measures as "heavy-handed" and stated that they will not work with the police.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate released a joint statement saying they will "continue to uphold" their customs, and the ceremony will proceed as it has for two millennia. They added that anyone who wishes to worship is invited to attend. In previous years, up to 10,000 worshippers have packed into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Easter ceremonies, but this year only 1,800 will be allowed inside, with another 1,200 outside. Additional checkpoints around the Old City will also restrict access to the area around the church.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, coinciding with the Jewish Passover holiday, Ramadan, and Easter. The curbs around religious festivals in the Old City have been particularly sensitive this year.
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