In Jerusalem, services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been suspended for the first time in history, according to the Catholic outlet Aleteia.
The church—considered the holiest site in Christianity and believed, according to tradition, to encompass both Golgotha and the tomb of Jesus Christ—was closed as early as February 28 following the outbreak of war with Iran, though the information has only now become public.
Access to the church had previously been restricted for pilgrims and tourists, but a complete suspension of services had not occurred until now.
The restrictions coincide with the period of Lent, and there remains a possibility that the church will stay closed through Easter.
Updated at 12:39 PM
A representative of the Romanian Patriarchate has denied reports that services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre have been suspended for the first time in history due to the war with Iran.
Archimandrite Ioan Meiu told the Basilica portal that the Holy Sepulchre, as well as Jewish and Muslim holy sites, are closed; however, liturgical life continues—both within the church itself and in Romanian monasteries in Jerusalem and Jericho.
On Monday, March 16, Israeli police reported falling debris near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.