Eastern Orthodox
The Holy Fire (Holy Light) ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the most ancient rituals in Eastern Christianity, attested since the 4th century. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch enters the Tomb of Christ (the Edicule) and emerges carrying two lighted candles, believed by the faithful to have been miraculously lit by divine fire.
The fire is distributed throughout the congregation and flown to Orthodox capitals worldwide (Athens, Moscow, etc.) for distribution to the faithful. It usually falls on or around Holy Saturday (Orthodox calendar).
It is especially important in Eastern Orthodox traditions. Explore pilgrimage holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- observance
- Date type
- Moveable (changes with Easter)
- Regions
- North America, Global
- Themes
- Resurrection
- Liturgical colour
- N/A
Common questions
Holy Fire Ceremony (Jerusalem) is observed on Holy Saturday (Orthodox calendar). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
The Holy Fire (Holy Light) ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the most ancient rituals in Eastern Christianity, attested since the 4th century. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch enters the Tomb of Christ (the Edicule) and emerges carrying two lighted candles, believed by the faithful to have been miraculously lit by divine fire. The fire is distributed throughout the co
It is associated with Eastern Orthodox. It falls in the Holy Week season of the liturgical year.