Jerusalem, 31 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — As the Jerusalem Police prepare for Easter ceremonies and “Holy Fire Saturday” in Jerusalem’s Old City amid the ongoing war with Iran, a coordination meeting was held between the Police District Commander and leaders of the Orthodox Christian Communities including, Greek Patriarch Theophilos III, Armenian Archbishop Swana Gregorian, Armenian Bishop Theodoros Zakarian, church heads and priests, during which it was agreed that the traditional ceremonies would take place in a symbolic and limited format.
In this meeting, there was broad agreement on the special security situation this year, and that the current reality, in which Iran continues to fire missiles indiscriminately at Israeli cities, does not allow for the holding of mass ceremonies.
The police explained that in light of the special situation and IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Home Front Command directives regarding restrictions on gatherings, it was decided at the outset of the conflict with Iran that the holy sites in the Old City would remain closed to entry by the wider public of worshippers.
“This decision is based on the police’s legal and moral duty to protect and safeguard human life,” they said.