For centuries, on Holy Saturday in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, thousands of faithful gather to witness the ancient miracle of the Holy Fire.
The Orthodox Patriarch enters the tomb of Christ in the sepulchre, carrying no matches or fire.
After fervent prayer, a mysterious blue flame is said to appear spontaneously from the stone slab where Jesus was laid.
This flame lights the candles of the Patriarch, who then passes the fire to the faithful.
What makes the event miraculous, according to witnesses, is that for the first several minutes, the flame does not burn — pilgrims wash their faces and beards with it without harm.
Later, the flame burns normally.
This miracle, documented for over a thousand years, is celebrated as a sign of the Resurrection and God’s living presence in His Church.
