Jerusalem, 13 April, 2023 (TPS) -- Israel Police said they are prepared for this year’s “Holy Fire” event observed by the Eastern Orthodox Churches just before their Easter holiday to be observed this Sunday. Those affiliated with the Latin Patriarch based in Istanbul, such as the Armenian Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches, all of whom have a presence in Jerusalem, observe Easter on a different date than do Westerners, such as Roman Catholics and Protestants.
The police explained that it was forced to limit the number of participants in the annual event in the Old City of Jerusalem only out of a concern for the safety of participants and terror or security concerns.
The Police issued a statement saying, “We clarify: limiting participants is not a result of a police initiative, but a necessary safety requirement, per the professional analysis of the safety engineer on behalf of the churches.”
“The Israel Police will enforce the safety engineer’s instructions and expects cooperation from church leaders and organizers.”
The police explained their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all participants, while also allowing freedom of worship. The police said they invested many resources and conducted extensive preparation work for the successful and safe continuation of the event.
These concerns are understandable considering the disaster that occurred a few years ago when Jewish worshipers were trampled to death at the Galilee holy site in Meron during a holiday celebration.
NEWSRAEL: There are many reports saying that the Christian minority is being forced to join in condemnations of Israel as the protectors of freedom of religion in Jerusalem.
Orthodox Christians believe the Holy Fire (also known as “Holy Light”) is a miracle that happens every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem – not far from the Jaffa Gate – on Great Saturday, the day before Orthodox Easter is observed.