The Archdiocese of Moldova plans to send a delegation to Jerusalem in early April in order to deliver a particle of Holy Fire to their homeland. In addition to this mission, church representatives will visit holy sites in a number of Israeli cities.
"With the blessing of Metropolitan Vladimir of Chisinau and All Moldova, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel) will be organized from April 6 to 11, 2026, with the participation of clergy and believers from Moldova," the Archdiocese said in a statement.
Bishop Filaret of Kapriansk will lead the delegation of pilgrims. A detailed program has been prepared for the trip, including visits to Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho and the Judean Desert. Clergy from Moldova intend to participate in the festive divine services on the occasion of the Annunciation in Nazareth, as well as in the ceremony of the Descent of the Holy Fire in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
"It should be noted that, despite the situation in the Middle East, the organizers of the pilgrimage maintain constant contact with the authorities of the host state to ensure the safety of participants," the Archdiocese noted.
The church structure emphasized that the program of the trip can be adjusted in case of changes in the situation in the region. The key events of the pilgrimage will be participation in the celebration of the Annunciation and in the service during the descent of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem. Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter this year on April 12.