Holy Fire descends at Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

The Holy Fire has descended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a deeply significant event for Orthodox Christians worldwide.

The Holy Fire was brought out from the Holy Edicule (Kuvuklia) by Theophilos III, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem and All Palestine.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre shared the flame with one another, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem entered the Holy Edicule over the Tomb of Christ, and the tomb was sealed at approximately 15:32 Tbilisi time.

Prior to this, the Patriarch was divested of his outer garments and carefully examined by clergy of various denominations. Inside the tomb, the Patriarch recited special prayers for the descent of the Holy Fire.

Following prayers and a solemn procession around the Edicule conducted three times, the Holy Fire appeared at exactly 15:36. The moment was met with deep reverence and celebration as the flame was distributed among worshippers, who passed it from candle to candle.

Pilgrims from across the globe, including many from Georgia, journeyed to Jerusalem to witness this sacred event, which Orthodox Christians believe symbolizes the miraculous light of Christ’s Resurrection.