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The first written account of the Holy Fire (Holy Light) dates from the fourth century, but authors write about events that occurred in the first century. So Ss. John Damascene and Gregory of Nissa narrate how the Apostle Peter saw the Holy Light in the Holy Sepulchre after Christ's resurrection.
"One can trace the miracle throughout the centuries in the many itineraries of the Holy Land."
The Russian abbot Daniel, in his itinerary written in the years 1106-07, presents the "Miracle of the Holy Light" and the ceremonies that frame it in a very detailed manner.
*Description of the Miracle of Holy Fire that happens every year in Jerusalem*
Originally posted by saint4God
Miracles happen on His terms, not ours.
Originally posted by Hydroman
Originally posted by saint4God
Miracles happen on His terms, not ours.
And in our times, this means "never".
Originally posted by hotpinkurinalmint
I remember reading an interview with one of the Orthodox Church patriarchs in Jerusalem. The reporter asked him about the supernatural origin of the Holy Fire. The patriarch more or less said the fire came from heaven, but he also gave the reporter a wink when he said it.
Perhaps the divine origins of the holy fire are like Santa Claus. Nobody really takes it seriously, but it is nevertheless a fun story to tell. Even if the holy fire is started by matches rather than divine forces, it is still a pretty neat ritual that many people seem to enjoy.
Before entering the Tomb of Christ, the patriarch is examined by Jewish Israeli authorities to prove that he does not carry technical means to light the fire.
This investigation used to be carried out by Muslim Turkish Ottoman soldiers.