The Holy Fire & misc. thoughts

In the discussion that followed Vespers last night when asked what is the meaning of  the Priest coming out of the Royal Doors with a lit candle at the time that all of the lights are extinguished on Holy Saturday, Father responded that this is a re-enactment of the receiving of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem every year. As some had further questions about this that were not completely covered this is an attempt to provide more information.

 The Holy Fire is an annual event that was first documented in 1106 although it is believed to have occurred from much earlier times, maybe even as far back at to the time of the apostles. On Holy Saturday in the Holy Sepulchre the Patriarch of Jerusalem, after being thoroughly searched for matches or other fire making devices, enters the tomb where it is believed Jesus was buried. The building in which the tomb is located is completely darken. The Patriarch prayerfully waits. At some point in time the unlit candle that he is holding is miraculous lit. He exits the tomb and shares the fire with the faithful. Here is a link to a more complete explanation. Probably the most comprehensive website is holyfire. 

My favorite story about the event is story written in 1846 describing an event on Holy Saturday in 1579. It is told that in that year the Armenians wanted to displace the Jerusalem Patriarch and bribed the Turks to let them have possession of tomb on that day. The fire never came from in the tomb but from a column outside of the building to where the faithful of Jerusalem were standing in anguish. The fire split the column. Here are pictures of the column split by the Holy Fire, the damaged columns are still in place today!

For those not present last night the group decided to have a short snack break of fasting stuff, such as peanut butter and jelly on bagels for the next 5 Wednesday nights after Vespers, this will be followed by a 30 minute or so discussion (by all) in the Temple. The first two Wednesday nights will be discussions on symbolism in the Church, such as the Church colors, the architecture, etc. The last three meetings will be more specifically directed to the services from Saturday night Vespers, the Hours and the Holy Liturgy.

Please bring all you questions and more importantly, your input and join us as we seek "Christ in our midst."