Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses disagreement with Israel police decision

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Armenia –

09:21, 13.04.2022

The chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Fr. Koryoun (Hovnan) Baghdasaryan, has posted on Facebook a statement of the Patriarchate, which refers to the restrictions that have been imposed on holding the “Light” ceremony, expressing disagreement with the respective decision of the Israeli police.

“Statement by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem on the ‘Light’ ceremony ahead of Easter, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has to issue this statement informing its faithful of the restrictions that the Israeli police are attempting to impose this year,” the statement reads, in particular.

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STATEMENT OF THE ARMENIAN PATRIARCHY OF JERUSALEM REGARDING THE “LOIS” CEREMONY

Before the Holy Resurrection Day, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem was forced to publish this statement to inform its believers about the restrictions that the Israeli police are trying to impose this year.

On April 11, representatives of the Patriarchate had a meeting with the police officers responsible for the “Lois” ceremony, during which they informed that only 1000 pilgrims should be allowed to participate in the ceremony this year, of which only 200 should be Armenians. Our representatives expressed their disagreement with the new decision and left the meeting.

The Armenian Apostolic Church has exclusive rights during the “Light” ceremony, which are recorded in the Status Quo Agreement.

In order to start the “Light” ceremony, the right of the Armenian Church is to open the door of the Holy Resurrection Cathedral, which is attended by hundreds of Armenian and foreign pilgrims to witness this unique ceremony. Then the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, again accompanied by hundreds of pilgrims, solemnly enters the temple, after which he enters with his representative, Patriarch John of Jerusalem, to take out the “Light-Fire” symbolizing the Resurrection of Christ from the Holy Sepulcher.

The above-mentioned rights have been exercised for centuries under different authorities and rulers without any restrictions. Therefore, with this statement, we express our disagreement with the Israeli police’s decision on restrictions and demand that this year, like previous years, the “Light” ceremony be performed without restrictions on the number of believers.

The government of Israel has undertaken an international obligation to ensure the freedom of religious ceremonies and to organize their uninterrupted conduct. It is our demand that the police respect this initiative and ignore their decision regarding the restrictions.

April 12, 2022

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