A Patriarchal message invites the faithful from around the world to gather on Great and Holy Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, around the Life-Giving Tomb of Christ, for the Service of the Holy Light.
Addressing “our beloved children in the Lord, all the faithful, and all who seek peace and love around the world,” the Patriarchate calls for participation in this sacred moment, emphasizing the spiritual continuity of the tradition, “as it was lived by the fathers and forefathers” and preserved in the living memory of Jerusalem.
The message underlines that on this day the Church stands united, awaiting the Light that proceeds from the Holy Sepulchre and is received by the faithful as a sign of the Resurrection. “This is the Light of the Resurrection. This is the faith of the Church,” it states.
It also highlights that the Holy Light is shared among the faithful “from hand to hand,” bearing witness to the enduring Christian presence in the Holy City and to steadfast faith.
Concluding, the Patriarchal message notes that the faithful gather “in prayer and in hope,” remaining around the Life-Giving Tomb as witnesses to the Resurrection, while lifting their hearts toward the “Light that never sets” and praying for peace and justice to prevail in the world.
Read here the full announcement:
Our beloved children in the Lord, all the faithful, and all who seek peace and love around the world, we address you from our Patriarchal See in the Holy City of Jerusalem, inviting you to gather for the Great and Holy Light Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, around the Life-Giving Tomb of Christ.
We come bearing our prayers, steadfast in the hope that does not fade. We come as we have inherited, as it was lived by the fathers and forefathers, and as it remains preserved in the living memory of our Holy City.
On this sacred day, the Church stands united, awaiting the Light that proceeds from the Holy Sepulchre and is received by the faithful all around the world as a sign of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the Light of the Resurrection. This is the faith of the Church.
From this Light, the flame is shared among the faithful, from hand to hand, bearing witness to our living presence in the Holy City, to our fidelity to what has been entrusted to us, and to our steadfastness in the faith that does not fade.
We gather in prayer and in hope. We remain assembled around the Life-Giving Tomb as witnesses to the Resurrection, steadfast in faith, lifting our hearts toward the Light that never sets, and entreating the Lord that justice and peace may prevail throughout the world.
