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"Orthodox Christians in Jerusalem marked Easter Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, following a 40-day closure imposed by Israeli authorities. Footage shows a religious procession headed by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City and of All Palestine and Jordan of the Greek Orthodox Church. The video also shows worshippers inside the church performing their rituals. "After a 40-day closure, we are glad that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been reopened and people can pray there again," said worshipper Razan Dadas. Archbishop Atallah Hanna said that worshippers had been ‘blocked’ from the 'Holy Saturday' celebration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre a day earlier, with some ‘attacked’ and ‘mistreated’ by security services. “Even clergy and nuns were not exempt," he added, describing the harassment as 'neither acceptable nor justifiable in any manner'. The Archbishop also stressed that 'the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is sacred, as is Al-Aqsa Mosque', adding his hope that “such incidents will not be repeated in the coming years.” Palestinian media reported on Saturday that Holy Saturday events had taken place in Jerusalem amid tightened Israeli measures, which were linked to ‘a military zone’. Meanwhile, the Israeli police force said it had “successfully completed field operations to secure the Holy Saturday ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Old City of Jerusalem.” It added that it had “organised the entry of thousands of worshippers, escorted religious processions, and safely dispersed crowds after the ceremonies ended', reaffirming its “commitment to upholding freedom of worship for all.” The Israeli authorities had earlier closed Jewish, Islamic and Christian holy sites upon the outbreak of war between Tel Aviv and Tehran on February 28, citing security concerns. The Israeli police later announced that “starting Thursday morning, April 9, holy sites in Jerusalem will reopen to visitors and for prayers.” The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar for Easter, with this year's Easter Sunday falling on April 12. "
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