Orthodox Christians have gathered at the Holy Sepulcher Church in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, 11. April 2026, to celebrate the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire.
According to the tradition on the day before Easter Sunday, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem enters the aedicilae, where Orthodox Christians believe that the Tomb of Jesus may have been located.
The Patriarch holds 33 white candles as many as Jesus’ age.
According to the belief, the Holy Fire emerges miraculously and is lit by the Holy Spirit. Orthodox Christians believe that this is the blessed light of resurrected Christ, who gives them comfort, joy and peace through it.
Once the Patriarch receives the Holy Fire, he exits and joins the crowd of faithful who receive the blessed light – Αγιο Φως – and spread the joyful message of Jesus resurrection across the community.
The ceremony is usually attended also by priests and believers of different Christian denominations. After the fire is lit, it is distributed to various national churches and transported to their seats (Athens, Sofia, Moscow, Belgrade, Bucharest and others).
LIVE STREAMING: Holy Fire ceremony
With the passing of the years, there are doubts that the Holy Fire is a “miracle” and not a human hand holding a lighter.
After all, it’s a matter of Faith, though.
Happy Resurrection! Καλή Ανάσταση, Χρόνια Πολλά!
See also: Easter wishes in Greek before and after Resurrection
