Authorities to open access to Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem, source
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Photo: UOJ
The authorities of Israel intend to open pilgrims' access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday, when the descent of the Holy Fire takes place. This was reported to the UOJ group by sources in the Jerusalem Patriarchate at noon on April 8, 2026. Currently, the Church is closed to visitors, with access controlled by police.
According to the source, the change in situation became possible after agreements in the military conflict between the USA, Israel, and Iran. It is not excluded that the Church may be opened for prayer even earlier.
Earlier, UOJ wrote that Patriarch Theophilos addressed believers with words of support ahead of Pascha.
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