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The '''Holy Fire''' (Greek 'Αγιος Φως, literally "Holy Light") is a [[miracle]] that occurs every year at the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] in [[Jerusalem]] on [[Holy Saturday]], the day preceding [[Pascha]]. It is considered by many to be the longest-attested annual miracle in the Christian world, though the event has only been documented consecutively since 1106. In many Orthodox countries around the world the event is televised live.
The ceremony begins at noon when the [[Patriarch of Jerusalem]] or another Orthodox [[Archbishop]] recites a specific prayer. The faithful gathered will then chant "Lord, have mercy" (''Kyrie eleison'' in Greek) until the Holy Fire descends on a lamp of olive oil held by the patriarch while he is alone in the tomb chamber of [[Jesus Christ]]. The patriarch will then emerge from the tomb chamber, recite some prayers, and light either 33 or 12 [[Candle|candles ]] to distribute to the faithful.
The fire is also said to spontaneously light other lamps and candles around the church. Pilgrims say the Holy Fire will not burn hair, faces, etc., in the first 33 minutes after it is ignited. Before entering the Lord's Tomb, the patriarch or presiding archbishop is inspected by Israeli authorities to prove that he does not carry the technical means to light the fire. This investigation used to be carried out by Turkish soldiers.
[[Category:Church Life]]
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