The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued assurances on Monday that the Holy Light would travel to Greece this year regardless of a call by a group of local atheists’ for the flight not to be paid for by the Greek government. The Greek Union of Atheists protested against the annual air transport costs to bring the flame to Greece in a spirit of pomp and pageantry.

“Concerning the claims of the Union of Atheists that the transport of the Holy Light from Jerusalem to Athens and the rest of Greece should be abolished, I want to state that their position proves the fact that it is only people of darkness who are afraid of the Light and I assure them that, despite their opposition, the Holy Light will arrive to our country this year too,” said Giorgos Vasileiou, the spokesman of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem Giorgos Vasileiou said.