On April 18, over 130 pilgrims from Uzbekistan, accompanied by Metropolitan Vikenty, Head of the Central Asian Metropolitan District and Metropolitan of Tashkent and Uzbekistan, traveled to Jerusalem to participate in the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The main purpose of the pilgrimage was to receive the Holy Fire, the central sacred symbol of Orthodox Easter, which descended on Holy Saturday before Easter. On Easter night, the sacred flame was brought to Tashkent and solemnly received at the Assumption Cathedral with deep reverence.

This pilgrimage mission was made possible thanks to the state’s strong support. Special gratitude was expressed to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Committee for Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Russia, and various benefactors. This year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel also provided support.

The delivery of the Holy Fire to Uzbekistan is a significant spiritual event for the country’s Orthodox community. It symbolizes respect for traditional religious values, interfaith harmony, and the commitment to preserving spiritual heritage. 

Aziza Alimova, UzA