Holy Sepulchre Remains Closed Amid Middle East Tensions

Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Photo: Gerd Eichmann

JERUSALEM — The Church of the Holy Sepulchre remained closed on March 1 for security reasons, as tensions in Israel escalated following the joint February 28 attack by Israel and the United States against Iran. The operation has contributed to a broader increase in regional conflict across the Middle East.

In response, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem relocated the First Sunday of Great Lent Forgiveness Vespers from the Holy Sepulchre to the Patriarchal and Monastic Church of Sts. Constantine and Helen, home to the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre. The service at 2:30 p.m. was attended by hierarchs of the Holy Sepulchre and other members of the monastic brotherhood, who prayed together in place of the customary liturgy at Christianity’s holiest site.

Archimandrite Matthaios, Elder Dragoman and Master of Ceremonies of the Patriarchate, proclaimed the Scriptures before the conclusion of the Vespers. The closure of the Holy Sepulchre highlights the serious security concerns facing the Patriarchate and reflects the wider instability of the region.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. Vladimir’s online school offered a course on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 

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