The traditional ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire will take place on Saturday, May 1, in Jerusalem at the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This year it will be held with a limited number of pilgrims.
Orthodox believers expect the descent of the Holy Fire on the eve of Easter in the Old City of Jerusalem in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, namely in the Kuvukliya – a chapel in the center of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ. For believers, the Descent of the Fire is proof of divinity, since it ignites by itself. Throughout history, no one has managed to reveal the secret of the descent of the Holy Fire, despite numerous attempts.
In accordance with sanitary restrictions this year, no more than 2.5 thousand people will be able to enter the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, while earlier on this day up to 9 thousand pilgrims visit the church. Those arriving at the temple will be divided into groups, and entry permits will only be issued to those who have so-called “green passports” for vaccinations or certificates of negative coronavirus tests. About 1,000 police officers will provide security in the Old City of Jerusalem.
