JERUSALEM, April 11, 2026 (WAFA) – Christians in Palestine on Saturday marked the Holy Fire Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in occupied Jerusalem. 

The ceremony was led by Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, who presided over a special prayer at the Holy Tomb inside the church. 

The service was attended by bishops, priests, and a number of worshippers who managed to reach the church despite Israeli military restrictions and checkpoints imposed around the Old City.

Following the appearance of the Holy Fire from the Holy Tomb, the flame is traditionally transferred to churches across Palestinian governorates, including Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jericho and the Jordan Valley, Nablus, and Jenin, as well as to churches inside Israel and around the world to light candles for the occasion.

Since the early morning hours, Israeli forces turned Jerusalem—particularly the area around Damascus Gate and neighborhoods of the Old City—into a heavily militarized zone, setting up checkpoints and restricting the movement of worshippers attempting to reach the church.

Israeli forces also checked the identities of several young men and prevented some from entering the Old City. 

M.N