LAST UPDATE: 14:54
In an atmosphere of reverence and splendor, the Holy Light ceremony was held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m., the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, emerged from the Holy Tomb holding 33 lit candles in each hand and distributed the Holy Light to the faithful present for the “Come, receive the light” proclamation, along with the message of the Resurrection to all humanity.
A large crowd had gathered since early morning at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where the Holy Fire ceremony was set to take place shortly.
The ceremony was conducted by Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, having removed his hierarchical vestments and dressed only in a white alb (sticharion), enters the dark Aedicule holding unlit torches in his hands.
The climactic moment of the Holy Light ceremony in Jerusalem unfolds when the Patriarch receives two bundles of 33 candles—symbolizing the years of Jesus Christ’s earthly life—and enters the Holy Sepulchre. A few moments later, he emerges holding the bundles lit by the Holy Light, marking the Resurrection.
The Holy Light spreads instantly, like a gentle wave of flame enveloping the faithful, who rush to light their own candles. Bells and chimes ring triumphantly, while the proclamation “Come receive the light from the unwaning light…” sends shivers of emotion and spiritual uplift through the crowd.
Within minutes, the church is flooded with light, and the voices and emotions of the faithful dominate the atmosphere of the Resurrection in Jerusalem. Holding the flames of the Holy Fire, thousands of pilgrims exit the church in procession, led by the Patriarch.
At the same time, one hierarch remains inside the church to celebrate the Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday, completing this unique spiritual event that moves and unites Orthodox Christians from around the world every year.
The ceremony continues to be a pinnacle of Orthodox faith, strengthening the sense of hope and spiritual renewal for the faithful across the globe.
