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United Press International
April 7 2007
Security tight for 'Holy Fire' ceremony
JERUSALEM, April 7 (UPI) -- Heavy security and a ban on cars were the
order of the day Saturday in the Old City of Jerusalem ahead of the
annual "Holy Fire" ceremony.
Thousands of police, assisted by volunteers, were to limit entry to
pilgrims and pedestrians with permits, the Haaretz news agency said.
Orthodox Christians have been marking the "Holy Fire" ceremony at the
Church of the Holy Sepulchre as far back as 1106. It involves the
church's Greek patriarch praying alone in the tomb of Jesus while the
congregation outside chants. The patriarch emerges with an olive oil
lamp he uses to light candles to be given to the faithful.
The patriarch is examined by Israeli authorities before entering the
tomb to prove he has no means of lighting the lamp. Greek and
Armenian Orthodox officials have argued in recent years over whether
or not Armenian priests can enter the tomb with the Greek patriarch
to observe.
The ceremony is broadcast annually in Greece, Russia and throughout
the Orthodox world.
April 7 2007
Security tight for 'Holy Fire' ceremony
JERUSALEM, April 7 (UPI) -- Heavy security and a ban on cars were the
order of the day Saturday in the Old City of Jerusalem ahead of the
annual "Holy Fire" ceremony.
Thousands of police, assisted by volunteers, were to limit entry to
pilgrims and pedestrians with permits, the Haaretz news agency said.
Orthodox Christians have been marking the "Holy Fire" ceremony at the
Church of the Holy Sepulchre as far back as 1106. It involves the
church's Greek patriarch praying alone in the tomb of Jesus while the
congregation outside chants. The patriarch emerges with an olive oil
lamp he uses to light candles to be given to the faithful.
The patriarch is examined by Israeli authorities before entering the
tomb to prove he has no means of lighting the lamp. Greek and
Armenian Orthodox officials have argued in recent years over whether
or not Armenian priests can enter the tomb with the Greek patriarch
to observe.
The ceremony is broadcast annually in Greece, Russia and throughout
the Orthodox world.