Patr. Theophilos Urges Israel to Reopen Holy Sepulchre
Church leaders urge Israel to allow full access to the Holy Sepulchre for Paschal celebrations amid ongoing restrictions.
JERUSALEM — His Beatitude Patr. Theophilos of Jerusalem and the heads of other churches in Jerusalem have convened an emergency session urging Israeli authorities to fully reopen the Holy Sepulchre for Holy Week and Paschal celebrations.
The Council of Heads of Churches, meeting under Patr. Theophilos, sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar after reports suggested only 50 people would be allowed inside for the Holy Fire ceremony on Holy Saturday. Church officials, including the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre, voiced serious concerns over the restrictions.
The church has been closed to parishioners and pilgrims since hostilities with Iran began, though clergy continue services inside. The letter stresses that celebrations should proceed normally and requests an official response, as uncertainty is causing anxiety among Christians worldwide.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Veneration of the Cross was celebrated outside the Holy Sepulchre amid tensions.
