Global concern over coronavirus outbreak, Holy Light ritual in Jerusalem at risk

The fallout from the coronavirus outbreak continues to reverberate around the world. In terms of the upcoming commemoration of Holy Easter, the matter of whether, and to what extent, the Holy Light ritual in Jerusalem will take place this year, is still under discussion, due to measures imposed by both Israeli and Palestinian health officials.

According to its own source in Church circles in Jerusalem, Russia’s RIA-Novosti reports that Israeli police were to hold a meeting this week dedicated to the organization of the Holy Fire ceremony, but the meeting was canceled due to coronavirus fears. According to the source, the entire Holy Fire service could be banned.

In a bid to allay concerns, the St. Andrew Foundation in the Holy Land, which for years has transferred the Holy Fire from Jerusalem to various Russian cities, stated that it was in contact with relevant Israeli authorities, the Russian foreign ministry, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, to consider alternative scenarios.

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