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REPORT: Greek Orthodox Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem

Middle East

11-04-2015 | 08:49

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REPORT: Greek Orthodox Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem

2^min

Thousands of Christian worshipers celebrated Easter's Holy Fire Ceremony on Saturday (April 11) at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

They packed into the ancient church, believed to be built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

The Holy Fire is considered a miracle occurring every year on Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter Sunday.

At exactly 2pm local time every year, a sunbeam is believed to shine through the window in the ceiling of the church and light a lamp placed in the tomb. Church lights are switched off and a silence of anticipation descends on the church.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, then lights a few candles with the holy fire, and passes them on to worshipers inside the church.

Seconds after the Orthodox patriarch reveals the Holy Fire, it spreads throughout the church as worshipers light each other's candles. The fire is then passed on to the worshipers waiting outside.

In past centuries, worshipers were expected to bring the flame back to their villages around Russia and Eastern Europe.

Traditionally, an olive lamp lit by the "Holy Fire" is transferred soon after the ceremony to the West Bank town of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

REUTERS

To watch Rita Khoury's report, please click on the VIDEO above

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