Orthodox believers on the eve of Easter have a unique event - the descent of the blessed fire on earth. This rite has deep historical roots and has been known since the early Middle Ages.
The story of the birth of the Holy Fire
From the early Middle Ages a custom appeared. according to which on the eve of Easter the hierarchs of the Orthodox Church lit a fire in the Jerusalem temple and blessed it in honor of the main holiday of the faithful. However, from the end of the first millennium, judging by the reports of religious historians of that time, the concept of the convergence of the sacred fire, that is, that the fire on the eve of Easter is given by a believing God, appeared. Numerous testimonies of the convergence of fire date back to the 10th century, and not only Christian, but also Islamic historians wrote about this miracle. Initially, a fire was lit in the morning, and the rite itself is described in different ways, the appearance of lightning is most often mentioned. Only the place remains unchanged - the temple of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Some eyewitnesses of the events of the 10th century wrote that the fire was brought directly by an angel.
The modern rite of the convergence of fire
By the 19th century, the ceremony of the descent of the Holy Fire acquired modern features. It was even fixed by a special document issued by the government of the Ottoman Empire. This was done in order to avoid conflict between representatives of various Orthodox churches, as well as Orthodox with Muslims.
The keys to the chapel of the Holy Sepulcher are kept for many generations in one Arab family, whose representative once a year passes the keys to the patriarch.
The service on the day of the convergence of fire is conducted by the Jerusalem Orthodox patriarch. Together with him, the clergy of other Orthodox churches, for example, the Armenian, have the right to be in the church. Priests put on festive white robes, and then go around the procession around the church, offering prayers. After this, the patriarch, together with a representative of the Armenian clergy, can enter the small ancient chapel, on which the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was built. They take candles with them, which later will be lit from the Holy Fire. The patriarch offers a special prayer directly at the Holy Sepulcher. At this time, believers are waiting for the convergence of fire both in the temple itself and beyond. There is also a television broadcast in many countries, including Russia. After the appearance of fire, the patriarch lights candles from him, from which, in turn, anyone can light a fire. After the ceremony, the Holy Fire is delivered to Orthodox countries, where, in turn, believers can receive a piece of fire in their church.
Related article
What is the blessed fire
