Greek authorities fear disruption of Holy Fire delivery from Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem. Photo: UOJ

In March 2026, Greek officials expressed concern over a possible breakdown in the delivery of the Holy Fire from Jerusalem amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Greek outlet Vima Orthodoxias reports.

According to the source, the unstable situation in the region is creating serious difficulties not only for transporting the Holy Fire, but also for the ceremony of its descent itself at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Hierarchs of the Jerusalem Patriarchate say that “the conditions are unlike any previous year” and do not rule out restrictions or the holding of the rite without large numbers of pilgrims.

Greece’s deputy foreign minister said the authorities intend to do everything possible to carry out the mission. According to him, bringing the Holy Fire to Greece remains a “duty and an honor” for the country, though its implementation will depend on decisions by the relevant authorities and on the security situation.

The report notes that the transfer of the Holy Fire to Greece has taken place since 1988 and remains an important part of the country’s religious tradition. This year, diplomatic sources say, one of the most tense situations in the history of the practice has emerged.

Greece’s Foreign Ministry is in constant consultations with regional authorities and international bodies. At the same time, anxiety remains high among the faithful, since any disruption in the delivery of the Holy Fire could affect the traditional celebration of Pascha in the country.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused Iran of strikes on Jerusalem’s holy sites.

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