On Great and Holy Thursday, authorities reopen Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Aedicule of the Holy Sepulchre. Photo: UOJ

On April 9, 2026, Great and Holy Thursday, the Israeli authorities reopened the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to worshippers after earlier restrictions, the UOJ reports.

Access to the shrine was restored after developments in the military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to current reporting, the reopening followed a revision of police rules governing worship sites in Jerusalem; I have not independently confirmed the fuller causal wording in the source text beyond that broader war-related context.

The Israeli side allowed Holy Week services to proceed again and restored the normal functioning of the church. Already on the day of reopening, the faithful were able to attend the services of Holy Week. Orthodox Times reported the reopening itself on April 9, and longstanding Jerusalem Patriarchate practice identifies Great and Holy Thursday with the rite of the Washing of the Feet, traditionally held at the Holy Sepulchre complex.

Earlier, the Jerusalem Patriarchate had indicated that the church might reopen only on Great and Holy Saturday, though it also left open the possibility of an earlier decision. Before that, the shrine had remained closed, with access controlled by police. Recent reporting in Orthodox Times and The Times of Israel confirms that Israeli authorities had imposed restrictions on Holy Week and Easter observances at the site because of security concerns.

As the UOJ reports, in Jerusalem, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the rite of the Washing of the Feet has begun, officiated by Patriarch Theophilos III. This is one of the most symbolic services of Holy Week. The Jerusalem Patriarchate’s published descriptions of the rite confirm both its significance and its traditional celebration at the Holy Sepulchre complex.

By long-standing tradition, the rite is celebrated in the square before the church and draws large numbers of faithful and pilgrims. This year, however, because of precautionary measures, it is being held inside the church, according to the article you provided; I was able to confirm the usual outdoor setting from Patriarchate material, but not the full current logistical detail from an independent primary source.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Israeli authorities would facilitate the delivery of the Holy Fire to the Local Churches. Current reporting indicates that, under this year’s security restrictions, the Holy Light is expected to be distributed in a more limited format to church delegations with secured flights.

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