Thousands of Christians attended the centuries -old spiritual ceremony in the “Church of the Holi Siplcher” in the ancient church of Jerusalem on Saturday before the “Easter” of Christians. The ceremony is held every year at a place where according to Christian faith, Jesus was crucified and buried.
In the darkness of the church, the head of the Greek Orthodox “Holi Adicol” enters the place recognized as the tomb of Jesus and comes out with two bright candles.
Other candles are illuminated with these candles and the church is filled with light. Later, this “sacred fire” is transferred to Orthodox communities in other countries by special flights.
Orthodox is a Christian belief that this light miraculously appears within the adjective, while some circles have been considered a mere act of a pretense. However, the spiritual scene of the event has been fascinated by visitors for over 1200 years.
In the past, the event has also proved fatal. In 1834, about 400 pilgrims were killed in a fierce plunge in the church, mostly killed by asthma or crushing under the feet. The ruler of that time was saved by his guards by making the swords.
In recent years, in recent years, Israeli authorities have tried to limit the number of participants, which church leaders have protested, calling it a focus on religious freedom. Security was also tight this week and Israeli checkpoints were necessary to enter the church premises.
According to the US news agency, a man was arrested by the police, while some women were also clashed over preventing visitors from entering. “More than visitors were deployed than visitors,” said Juda, a key guard of the church.
In the current situation, the number of participants has been lower than in the past, which is one of the major reasons being attributed to the 18 -month war between Israel and Hamas.
Remember that the ancient city of Jerusalem – where the church is located – is comprised of sacred sites for Jews, Christians and Muslims, and has been a permanent center of tension between Israel and Palestine. In the 1967 war, Israel occupied East Jerusalem and integrated it, which was not recognized globally. Palestinians see it as their future capital.
Although Israel considers itself a symbol of religious tolerance in the Middle East, its relations with the Palestinian Christian community have been witnessed in recent years, which is due to constantly migrating the community in search of tension and employment.
