Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Restricts Easter Celebrations in Jerusalem

In a somber announcement, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has decided to limit Easter celebrations to religious rituals due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

Dr. Ramzi Khouri, a member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, praised the move by the Patriarchate. He noted that the "atrocities" committed by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, were part of a systematic plan to deny the Palestinian people their rights.

Highlighting the escalating violence and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians, Khouri urged churches and Christian institutions worldwide to draw attention to the suffering of the Palestinian people. He called on them to advocate for justice and an end to the "ongoing genocide" in Gaza.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued the following statement:

"Given the current situation in the Holy Land due to the ongoing war on Gaza, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem announces that Holy Saturday celebrations this year will be limited to the status quo arrangements in Jerusalem, as has been customary for centuries. In other areas, the Holy Fire will be distributed to Churches without additional festivities."

The Patriarchate emphasized the need to share the pain of war victims and to focus on the spiritual significance of Easter. "The current circumstances and deep sorrow that permeate the Holy Land underscore the need to share the pain of the victims of the war and allocate time for prayer and reflection," the statement reads.