The Holy Fire arrived in Athens shortly before 6 p.m. on a special flight, but it will not be distributed to the faithful.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Konstantinos Vlassis, and the Metropolitan of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki received the Holy Fire. Guards of honour paid tribute to those, who attended the ceremony. The Holy Fire will be transferred to the Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre in Plaka, where it will remain, without being distributed.
“Our priority is the health of the people and that is why we must follow the measures”, said Deputy Foreign Minister in his message. Bring the Holy Fire directly from Jerusalem was the least we could do. The Holy Fire may not reach all the Churches, but it will remain lit on the altar.