UOJ broadcasting live descent of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem
In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on April 11, 2026. Photo: UOJ
On April 11, 2026, Holy Saturday, a service for the descent of the Holy Fire will take place at the Church of the Resurrection (the Holy Sepulchre). UOJ is broadcasting the event live from the scene.
The service will be led by Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III.
The live broadcast can be watched at the link, with continuing coverage available here.
This year, the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire is taking place under heightened security measures. Only a limited number of faithful were admitted to the service.
According to a UOJ correspondent, the Old City has been guarded by police and military personnel since 5 a.m. Entry is possible only with special wristbands – even for local residents. The Jerusalem Patriarchate issued 300 permits for faithful to attend the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire.
As the UOJ previously reported, the Patriarch of Jerusalem said that the Holy Fire is the only hope for peace.
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