Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning optical fibers for splicing utilizing a grooved holder (22) and positioning arms that engage the fiber ends (17, 18) and bring them precisely together in alignment for splicing. The grooves (24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′) of the holder have a channel (27) extending therebetween. The precisely formed grooves (24, 24′, 26, 26′, 28, 28′) provide X and Y alignment of the fibers in conduction with positioning arms (32, 32′) having resilient pads (36, 36′). The resilient pads (36, 36′) allow the positioning arms (32, 32′) to frictionally engage the optical fibers (15, 16) and bring their respective ends (17, 18) into position for fusion splicing.