
The miracle of the Holy Fire is an annual event in which the patriarch of the Greek Orthodox church in Jerusalem enters the shrine of the Holy Sepulchre with an unlit lamp and emerges with it lit. The ceremony begins at noon when the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem or another Orthodox Archbishop recites a specific prayer.
What is the Miracle of the Holy Fire by William Hunt?
The Miracle of the Holy Fire, by William Holman Hunt. The Holy Fire (Greek Ἃγιον Φῶς, "Holy Light") is described by Orthodox Christians as a miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, or Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter.
Why is the holy fire so famous?
The Holy Fire is the most renowned miracle in the world of Eastern Orthodoxy. IIt has taken place at the same time, in the same manner, in the same place every single year for centuries. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and so steadily over time. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and so steadily over time.
What is the Holy Fire in the Bible?
The Holy Fire (Greek Ἃγιον Φῶς, "Holy Light") is described by Orthodox Christians as a miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, or Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter. However, many dispute the alleged miraculous descent of the Fire.
Is holy fire a “divine miracle” but a human hand holding a lighter?
Holy Fire: No “divine miracle” but a human hand holding a lighter? A shock for the Greek orthodox Christians. A Greek journalist claims that the Holy Fire is not the result of a divine miracle but the product of the physical interaction between a human hand and a …lighter.

What is the miracle of Holy Fire in Jerusalem?
In Orthodox Christian belief, the Holy Fire (Greek: Ἃγιον Φῶς, "Holy Light") is a proposed miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, the day before Orthodox Easter. However, the authenticity of the miracle has long been disputed.
What does the Holy Fire represent?
To the hundreds of millions of Orthodox believers, the Holy Fire symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus, and the appearance of the flame inside his tomb is an annual miracle whose arrival is anticipated and celebrated.
How did the Holy Fire start?
The fire was allegedly started by 51-year-old Forrest Gordon Clark; it was ignited near a cabin owned by Clark in the Holy Jim Canyon community.
When did the miracle of the Holy Fire start?
The annual miracle of the Holy Fire was first recorded by a French monk in the year 876, but its long history has not been without controversy. In 1009, the Muslim ruler of Jerusalem was so enraged by what he saw as the “fraud” of the annual ceremony that he destroyed the Holy Sepulchre.
Why is the Holy Spirit called fire?
A number of Old Testament passages help us understand the Holy Spirit as fire in the New Testament. Primarily fire represents the presence of God, as when Moses encountered God at the burning bush, and later when God appeared in a pillar of fire to lead his people in the wilderness (Exodus 3:2; 13:21).
How do you get the fire of God?
13:271:09:5111/20 How to Receive the Fire of God - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want to receive the fire. One thing you need to do is to have the right heart. You need toMoreIf you want to receive the fire. One thing you need to do is to have the right heart. You need to come to God and say.
What is the name of the Holy Fire?
Atar, Atash, or Azar (Avestan 𐬁𐬙𐬀𐬭 ātar) is the Zoroastrian concept of holy fire, sometimes described in abstract terms as "burning and unburning fire" or "visible and invisible fire" (Mirza, 1987:389).
What does the Bible say about the Holy Ghost fire?
To the Book of Mormon Apostles, the Savior said, “Blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins” (3 Ne. 12:2).
Where is the Holy Fire?
Thousands of Christians have celebrated the traditional “Holy Fire” ceremony of blazing candles at the Holy Sepulchre church, Christianity's holiest site in Jerusalem, to mark the eve of Orthodox Easter.
Why does Jesus baptize with fire?
If two baptisms, then various meanings have been suggested for the second baptism, by fire - to purify each single individual who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be the temple of the Holy Spirit, to cast out demons and to destroy the stronghold of the flesh by the Fire of God.
What was God first miracle?
The transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana (also called the marriage at Cana, wedding feast at Cana or marriage feast at Cana) is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John.
Who started the Holy Fire?
Forrest Gordon Clark, 51, was arrested Wednesday, suspected of starting the Holy Fire which has burned 9,614 acres in Orange and Riverside Counties in Southern California. Officials said that on Thursday he will be charged with felony arson, felony threat to terrorize, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
When did Jesus make his first miracle?
The first recorded miracle in the New Testament is told in John 2:1-11 when Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. Because this was Jesus' first public miracle, it is often considered one of the most memorable miracles to many Christians today.
What time does the Holy Fire in Jerusalem?
Every year, The Holy Fire (Holy Light) ceremony starts here at about 11 am with a series of prayers leading to a miraculous fire appearance. The Orthodox Patriarch kneels in front of the burial stone inside the chapel in complete darkness.
What was the first miracle after Pentecost?
Jesus also gave him “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19), which is why he is often depicted at the gates of heaven in art and popular culture. After Jesus' death, he served as the head of the Apostles and was the first to perform a miracle after Pentecost (Acts 3:1–11).
What is the name of the spring that ignites with fire?
The white naphtha is the one that ignites with fire.".
What is the meaning of the blue light in the tomb?
During this time, blue light is said to emit within Jesus Christ's tomb, rising from the marble slab covering the stone bed believed to be that upon which Jesus' body is ...
Where is the Holy Fire?
The Holy Fire ( Greek Ἃγιον Φῶς, " Holy Light ") is described by Orthodox Christians as a miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, or Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter. However, many dispute the alleged miraculous descent of the Fire.
Where did Egeria travel?
Around 385, Egeria, a noble woman from Spain, traveled to Palestine. In the account of her journey, she speaks of a ceremony by the Holy Sepulchre of Christ, where a light comes forth ( ejicitur) from the small chapel enclosing the tomb, by which the entire church is filled with an infinite light ( lumen infinitum ).
Where is the marble slab in the Holy Sepulchre?
The marble slab is now in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem. The light is believed to form a column of fire, from which candles are lit. This fire is then used to light the candles of the clergy and pilgrims in attendance.
When was Sparks from the Holy Fire written?
Sparks from the Holy Fire, by Victoria Clark for The Tablet, 3 May 2003.
Was the Holy Fire in the Holy Sepulchre?
Nevertheless, other sources describe that the Holy Fire appeared in the holy grave on Sunday (Easter day), when the Latin archbishop Daimbert was not in Holy Sepulchre and processing was carried over by Greeks and other orthodox Christians. The holy grave was closed during this period by Daimbert.
Where and when does the miracle occur?
The ceremony, which awes the souls of Christians, takes place in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem. The date for Pascha is determined anew for every year. It must be a first Sunday after the spring equinox and Jewish Passover. Therefore, most of the time it differs from the date of Catholic and Protestant Easter, which is determined using different criteria. The Holy Fire is the most renowned miracle in the world of Eastern Orthodoxy. IIt has taken place at the same time, in the same manner, in the same place every single year for centuries. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and so steadily over time. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and so steadily over time. It happens in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the holiest place on earth [2], where Christ was crucified, entombed, and where He finally rose from the dead.
What happens when the patriarch comes out with the two candles lit and shining brightly in the darkness?
When the Patriarch comes out with the two candles lit and shining brightly in the darkness, a roar of jubilee resounds in the Church. [2] The Holy Light is not only distributed by the Archbishop, but operates also by itself.
What is the Holy Fire?
Light proceeds from the core of the stone - a blue, indefinable light which after some time kindles unlit oil lamps as well as the Patriarch's two candles. This light is "The Holy Fire", and it spreads to all people present in the Church.
Why do people wait with candles in the church?
All in the church wait with candles in the hope that they may ignite spontaneously. OOften unlit oil lamps catch light by themselves before the eyes of the pilgrims.
What is the most renowned miracle in the world of Eastern Orthodoxy?
The Holy Fire is the most renowned miracle in the world of Eastern Orthodoxy. IIt has taken place at the same time, in the same manner, in the same place every single year for centuries. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and so steadily over time. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and so steadily over time.
What is the candle held in the hand of the Russian nun?
A big candle, held in the hand of the Russian nun, takes fire in front of all the people present before the patriarch comes out of the tomb. She holds the candle with shaking hands while making the sign of the Cross over and over again in awe of the miracle she has witnessed.
What happens when you see the blue light in the candle?
The person who experiences the miracle from close up by having the fire on the candle or seeing the blue light usually leaves Jerusalem changed , and for everyone having attended the ceremony, there is always a "before and after" the miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem.
How stressful is the Holy Fire?
The ceremony itself is a very stressful experience since there are too many pilgrimes trying to enter the church of the holy sepulchre and the waiting is quite long and difficult, but the minute the holy fire appears and being spread around the church the experience is simply amazing and worth all difficulties. This holy fire is also being spread to central chruches all over the world such us to Moscove, London and more. The Greek use special lumps to take the fire on airplanes while people all over the world wait for this holy fire to start their local seremonies
How many pilgrims carry candles in the tomb of Jesus?
Sudenly, a flame “miraculously” appears in the tomb of Jesus and marks Christ resurrection. During the ceremony, over 10,000 pilgrims carrying candles pack the Church of the Holy Sepulchre waiting for the holy fire to be passed from candle to candle and spread outside the church and to Orthodox chruches around the world with special lamps ...
What is the significance of the Holy Fire?
This ceremony of the Holy Fire is considered as the most important in Orthodox Christianity. The highlight of the ceremony is when the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is entering into the edicule, a structure that shelters the empty tomb of Jesus, and reciting special prayers. Sudenly, a flame “miraculously” appears in the tomb ...
Where is the miracle of the Holy Fire?
Miracle of The Holy Fire in Jerusalem. The Miracle of the Holy Fire is a ceremony that is taking place every year on Great Saturday, the day before Orthodox Easter and for the past 1,200 years here in Old Jerusalem. This ceremony of the Holy Fire is considered as the most important in Orthodox Christianity. The highlight of the ceremony is ...
Do pilgrims burn their hands in the fire?
It is believed that for the first several minutes the flames of the holy fire do not consume so during this time faithful pilgrims bath their faces and hands in the flames of the holy fire without being burned as can be seen in the video. People pass the hands and even faces through the fire without burning themselfe.
Why did Archbishop Isidorus light two lamps?
Archbishop Isidorus admitted that he also lights two lamps to be sure that the faithful receive the Holy Light.
What is the Holy Fire?
The Holy Fire is the most renowned miracle in the world of Eastern Orthodoxy. It appears at the same time on Easter Saturday which is a movable Feast, in the same manner, in the same place every single year allegedly for centuries.
Who brought the lamp into the Holy Sepulcher?
Alikakos quotes the testimonies of two saint-keepers at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher who admit that it is them who light up the Holy Light. Claiming that it is him who brings the lamp into the Holy Sepulcher, one of the saint-keepers said “When the Patriarch enters the Holy Sepulcher he finds the Light. I light it.
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Did Alikakos use witnesses?
And it finally claimed that Alikakos used the witnesses’ testimonies without their consent, whereupon the journalist uploaded a picture on his facebook account showing the witness with aware of the video camera and the tape recorder.
Is there a divine miracle on Holy Fire?
on Holy Fire: No “divine miracle” but a human hand holding a lighter? 23,129 Views. A shock for the Greek orthodox Christians. A Greek journalist claims that the Holy Fire is not the result of a divine miracle but the product of the physical interaction between a human hand and a …lighter. In his recently published book “Lamentation – About ...
Where does the patriarch go alone?
The Patriarch goes alone in the Holy Sepulcher, the small chapel. He wears a plain white robe and holds two candles. The clergy has previously secured that he has no lighter, matches or anything else with which he could light the candles he holds. And then the miracle happens. YouTube.

Overview
In Orthodox Christian belief, the Holy Fire (Greek: Ἃγιον Φῶς, "Holy Light") is a proposed miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, the day before Orthodox Easter. However, the authenticity of the miracle has long been disputed.
Description from within the Orthodox faith
Orthodox tradition holds that the Holy Fire happens annually on the day preceding Orthodox Pascha (Orthodox Easter). During this time, blue light is said to emit within Jesus' tomb, rising from the marble slab covering the stone bed believed to be that upon which Jesus' body is to have been placed for burial. The marble slab is now in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem. The light is believed to form a column of fire, from which candles are lit. This fire is t…
History
The historian Eusebius writes in his Life of Constantine, which dates from around 328, about an interesting occurrence in Jerusalem of Easter in the year 162. When the church wardens were about to fill the lamps to make them ready to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, they suddenly noticed that there was no more oil left to pour in the lamps. Upon this, Bishop Narcissus of Jerusalem ord…
Criticism and opposition
In 1009, Fatimid caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah ordered the destruction of the Holy Sepulchre and its associated buildings, apparently outraged by what he regarded as the fraud practiced by the monks in the "miraculous" descent of the Holy Fire. The chronicler Yahia said that "only those things that were too difficult to demolish were spared." Processions were prohibited, and a few years later all of the convents and churches in Palestine were said to have been destroyed or co…
See also
• Paschal cycle
External links
• Holy Fire website
• Reuters report on the Holy Fire on Youtube
• "The Holy Light in Jerusalem: Testimonies and Evidence" by the Orthodox Outlet for Dogmatic Enquiries
• "Miracle of the Holy Fire" by Niels Christian Hvidt.