Sigma Live

Greece: Anxiety for the Holy Light Due to War: How Will the Transfer Take Place

Published March 28, 2026, 14:12
Greece: Anxiety for the Holy Light Due to War: How Will the Transfer Take Place

This year's transfer of the Holy Light faces significant challenges due to the war in the Middle East and the possible closure of Israeli airspace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures that it will make every effort to maintain the tradition, while alternative scenarios are being considered, such as special flights and cooperation with third countries. The uncertainty also concerns the holding of the Descent of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem, as negotiations between the Holy Sepulchre Community and the Israeli government have not yielded clear results. There is information about a possible limited participation of pilgrims in the ceremony. Despite the difficulties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the importance of the arrival of the Holy Light and states that Greece will exhaust every possibility to maintain the tradition. Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki notes that faith does not depend exclusively on the transfer of the Holy Light, but the effort to bring it to Greece will continue.