BETHLEHEM, April 11, 2026 (WAFA) – Christian churches following the Eastern calendar marked Holy Fire Saturday on Saturday in the cities of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala, on the eve of Easter, which will be celebrated on Sunday.

Large crowds gathered in the Catholic Action area of Bethlehem to receive the Holy Fire arriving from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. After its arrival, participants marched in the traditional Procession of the Holy Fire, led by scout groups, toward Manger Square, where an official reception ceremony was held.

At Manger Square, the flame was received by Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Vicar Metropolitan Benedictos, Bethlehem police chief Brig. Gen. Murad Qendah, alongside representatives of the governorate, security services, and church dignitaries.

Following the reception, participants marched in an official procession toward the Church of the Nativity, where special prayers were held and candles and lanterns were lit in preparation for Easter celebrations.

Meanwhile, in Beit Sahour, the Holy Fire was received in the Ararat area at the entrance of the city before being carried in a procession to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Forefathers. 

In Beit Jala, celebrations began in the al-Sahl area before the flame was taken to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary and later to the local Greek Orthodox monastery, amid large festivities and scout performances. 

M.N