Holy Sepulchre opens to pilgrims for first time since start of war with Iran

Jerusalem, April 9, 2026

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The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem reopened its doors to pilgrims and visitors this morning for the first time in 40 days, following the easing of wartime restrictions that had been in place during the conflict with Iran.

Israeli police announced that holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Temple Mount, would reopen to visitors and worshippers following changes to defense policy and updated guidelines from the Israeli military’s Home Front Command in the wake of the ceasefire with Iran, reports ertnews.gr.

Hundreds of police officers, Border Police forces, and volunteers have been deployed throughout the city, along major routes, in the Old City, and at holy sites to enable safe access for worshippers and visitors while maintaining public order and safety.

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The reopening came on Holy Thursday, when the Washing of the Feet ceremony was held by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood. A considerable number of people had already made their way to the church by morning.

Under previous arrangements, the Holy Fire ceremony was expected to proceed with only the Patriarch and other clerics and monastics, with no pilgrims allowed.

A meeting between the Patriarchate and Old City police is expected today or tomorrow to make final decisions regarding arrangements for the Holy Fire ceremony.

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4/9/2026

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