Thousands of Orthodox Christians took part in the holy fire ritual of Easter Week on Saturday. Believers gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried, each carrying torches and candles symbolising the 33 years of Jesus’ life.
The ritual stems from the traditional belief that holy fire suddenly appears from Jesus’ tomb as a message to say that He has not forgotten His disciples.
Around 10,000 people took part in the event, with many having to worship outside the church as it was too crowded to hold everyone.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch in the Holy Land, Theofilos III, led a group of Greek, Armenian and other Orthodox clergy into the tomb of Jesus before emerging with the flame, which was passed around to other believers to light their candles.
One Greek monk who attended, Georgios Papageorgiou, said, "I feel very good and I feel the light, the light inside on our soul," reports Haaretz.
Light from the holy fire was also taken to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and on special flights to Athens and other cities.
The holy fire ritual is at least 1,200 years old and the exact details of the source of the flame is a closely guarded secret.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.