Jerusalem Churches: The Israeli police imposed unjustified restrictions on access to the "Church of the Holy Sepulcher" on Holy Saturday
The churches of Jerusalem said that the Israeli police will impose unjustified restrictions on participation in the most important Christian religious ritual, "the Saturday of Light"(Holy Saturday), in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem.
The churches of Jerusalem, represented by the "Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Patriarchate," affirmed their rejection of all unjustified and unprecedented restrictions on celebrations on the "Saturday of Light."
The churches said in a joint statement: "The Israeli authorities want to impose unjustified restrictions on the believers' access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, describing the procedures as harsh because they will restrict access to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and participation in the Holy Saturday rituals."
The statement added: "The police want to place the burden unfairly and inappropriately on the churches, to issue the necessary invitations at a time when the police are imposing unreasonable conditions on the churches, which, if adhered to, will prevent worshipers from reaching the church, especially the children of local churches."
The churches of Jerusalem confirmed that the rituals will be held as usual for two thousand years, calling on all those who wish to worship to attend, as the churches will worship freely and in peace.
The churches pointed to the barriers imposed last year during Holy Saturday, which prevented believers from freely accessing the church to worship and witness the miracle of the resurrection.
The churches added that this week is Passion Week, the holiest week for Christians, and the celebration of the Holy Saturday ceremonies during which believers witness the lighting of the Holy Light, which has taken place regularly in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher for nearly 2000 years, attracts Christians from all over the world.
