The Holy Fire descended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
The Holy Fire descended in Jerusalem at the Churchof the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday. The ceremony traditionally takes place at the site where, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ was buried.
This was reported during the broadcast of the annual solemn ceremony.
Every year, the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire is held on the eve of Easter, and the rite itself takes place in the Cuvelia (chapel) of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
During the rite, all candles and lamps inside the church are extinguished. The entrance to the chapel is closed, and the doors are sealed with a special wax seal by the gatekeepers of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Afterward, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, holding a bundle of 33 candles to receive the Holy Fire, circles the Kuvelia three times while reciting a special prayer. He then enters the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre and offers prayers at the Three-Day Bed of Christ the Savior. Five to ten minutes later, the Holy Fire descends.
What is known about this year’s Descent ceremony
This year in Jerusalem, the Holy Fire ceremony will take place in a virtually closed format. The decision was made by Israeli law enforcement, as there is a threat of shelling due to the escalation in the Middle East.
Usually, thousands of believers gather near the Holy Sepulchre to witness this miracle with their own eyes. However, current conditions do not allow for mass gatherings, as public safety remains the top priority.
Only a limited number of people will be allowed into the church: members of the clergy and official delegations. Access to the Old City will be controlled.
Last year, we also reported that the Holy Fire descended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
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