The Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre saw hundreds gather despite lower turnout this year due to regional tensions. Traditionalists witnessed the Greek patriarch emerging with the sacred flame, believed to miraculously ignite, which was then shared among worshippers and transported globally. Amid heavy Israeli security controlling the crowds, the atmosphere reflected the current tumultuous situation, impacting participation by various communities in the city during this significant religious event, traditionally a moment of hope and renewal ahead of Easter.
Worshippers packed the 12th-century basilica, built on the traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, to witness the Greek patriarch emerge from the Holy Edicule with the sacred flame.
Heavy Israeli security controlled the crowds amid ongoing tensions in the region, reflecting how current conflicts and restrictions impacted participation in the ancient ceremony.
The light, believed by Eastern Orthodox Christians to appear miraculously, was passed from candle to candle and carried on special flights to Orthodox communities worldwide.
Turnout was lower this year, as conflict and restrictions weighed heavily on all communities in the city, showing the impact of the regional situation.
Collection
[
|
...
]