On the first week EasterThousands of Christians gather in the cave church of the sacred appliance for a centuries -old event, known as Holi Fire.
By conducting non -source candles, they pack in it Baselica of the 12th century is spreading Made at a place where, according to tradition, Jesus was crucified and buried. In the near darkness, the Greek patron enters the sacred adicole and emerges with two bright candles.
The flame goes from one candle to another, the light controls the darkness in Rotonda. Later, the flame is transported to Orthodox communities in other countries on special flights.
Christians in Eastern Orthodox believe that light is miraculously manifest within the sacred adjectives built at the traditional place of Jesus' tomb, while skeptors returning to the Middle Ages have rejected it as a carnival trick for the public.
In any way, the function, which is at least 1,200 years behind, is a sight to see.
It is too Safety concerns. In 1834, a strange clash broke out in the dark church, and at that time the ruler of the Holy Land barely escaped after his guards attracted to the swords and hacked his way through the crowd, the historian Simon Sebig Montefour described in Jerusalem's history. About 400 400 pilgrims died in the turmoil, mostly from asthma or trash.
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Israeli authorities have tried to restrict participants in recent years, citing security concerns. It has given rise to the protests of the church leaders, who have accused him of harassing a fragile, non -written arrangement around the holy sites of Jerusalem, called the status quo.
On Saturday, there was a heavy military presence when thousands of worshipers passed through Israeli checkpoints. AP reporters saw police in custody, while there were clashes between police and some women who were prevented from entering the courtyard.
Some worshipers regret that the number of turnout this year is lacking Israel's 18 -month war with Hamas.
“The number of police is higher than the number of pilgrims,” said Eidib Juda, the key holder of the sacred Application.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem, including the old cities, which have sacred places for Jews, Christians and Muslims, of which are sacred in Midst War in 1967, and linked it to the internationally recognized move. Palestinians want East Jerusalem to become the capital of its future state.
The old city has a long history of tension between Israelis and Palestinians, in various religious groups that share its mountainous prisoners and even some beliefs. Violating stagnation violations in the church of Holly There is a quarrel between monks Of different gaps
Israel says it is committed to ensuring the freedom of worship for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and has long presented itself as an island tolerance in the Middle East.
In recent years, however, The tension with the local Christian community has increasedMost of them are Palestinian Christians, a population that has declined for decades as many people have sought economic opportunities abroad.
And copy 2025 Press of Canada