The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in a race against time to ensure the arrival of the Holy Light from Jerusalem for this year’s Orthodox Easter celebrations. As regional tensions escalate, the traditional mission to transport the sacred flame faces unprecedented logistical and security hurdles.
Despite the volatility, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Loverdos has confirmed his intention to personally lead the mission. Speaking to state broadcaster ERT, Loverdos emphasized the government’s commitment to the tradition.
“Our intention—and my personal goal—is to be there, to attend the Holy Ceremony of the Light, to receive it from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and to bring it back to Greece,” Loverdos stated.
A “different” Holy Light ceremony in Jerusalem
While the conflict has turned the Old City of Jerusalem into what many describe as a “ghost town,” the Deputy Minister offered reassurances that the ritual itself is not at risk, even if the atmosphere will be vastly different.
“The ceremony will definitely take place as planned,” Loverdos clarified. “However, it will not be held with the massive crowds of faithful that we have seen in previous years.”
Diplomatic efforts and security risks
The Greek Foreign Ministry remains in “continuous communication” with Israeli authorities and the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulchre. Officials are currently navigating several high-risk factors:
- Restricted access: Strict security perimeters in the Old City will limit attendance primarily to high-ranking clergy and official delegations.
- Airspace challenges: With regional airspace subject to sudden closures, the flight path for the government aircraft remains under constant review.
- Distribution logistics: Once the Holy Light reaches Athens International Airport on Holy Saturday, the government plans to use a network of special flights to distribute the flame to parishes across the country in time for the midnight Resurrection services.
Diplomatic sources underscore that ensuring the Light reaches Greece is viewed as a matter of “national duty and honor.” While the physical journey faces more threats than at any point since the air-transfer tradition began in 1988, the government’s stance remains firm: the Holy Light will reach the Greek people “by any possible means.”
Related: Holy Light in Jerusalem: A Miracle or a Scam?