JERUSALEM (Agencies): Thousands of Orthodox Christians filled the historic Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Saturday to celebrate the centuries-old Holy Fire ceremony, an iconic Easter tradition deeply rooted in religious history. The event took place in the sprawling 12th-century basilica, believed to be built on the site of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial.
The Greek Patriarch entered the Holy Edicule, regarded as the site of Jesus’s tomb, in near-total darkness and emerged with two lit candles. The flame, believed by Eastern Orthodox Christians to be miraculous, was passed among worshippers, symbolizing light triumphing over darkness. It was later transported via special flights to Orthodox communities worldwide.
The Holy Fire ceremony dates back over 1,200 years, captivating pilgrims with its spiritual significance and tradition. However, safety concerns have persisted. A tragic stampede in 1834 resulted in hundreds of deaths, and Israeli authorities have since introduced limitations on the number of participants. These restrictions have drawn criticism from church leaders, who argue they disrupt the delicate status quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites.
This year saw heavy military presence, with thousands of worshippers passing through Israeli checkpoints to access the Old City. Jerusalem remains at the heart of a long-standing conflict, as Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East War and annexed it—a move that remains unrecognized internationally. Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of their envisioned future state.
Despite ongoing controversies, the Holy Fire ceremony continues to inspire millions and remains a profound symbol of faith and unity.