There are different versions among the Orthodox about how the miracle occurs, but that does not in any way negate the holiness of the place. However, today, several people, including hierarchs who we have been fortunate enough to meet and who are prominent in the ceremony, argue that the annual appearance of the Holy Light in Jerusalem does not happen through the lighting of the candles held by the Patriarch in a miraculous manner, but that the believed miracle lies in the sanctification of the natural flames on the chandelier that is found inside the Holy Sepulchre.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem describes it on its website as a “miracle, which cannot be doubted,” and it is there reported that the place is monitored by the non-Orthodox jurisdictions “to certify that there is no lit candle or other source of ignition.” Greek Orthodox Christians believe that the candle through which the Holy Light is transmitted to the faithful every year just before the celebration of the Resurrection is miraculously lit in the Holy Sepulchre and that the miracle only occurs in the presence of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. On Holy Saturday in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as the acts unfolded, the silent grief that resides in the sacred pages holy scripture could be heard… transforming the dark background of the Crucifixion into a spirit of enthusiasm and devotion – and the glory of the Resurrection. The biblical places of Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem where Christians, Jews and Muslims are constantly competing with each other to claim the Holy Land as their own, are brought into the spotlight as the great acts of our Lord are reenacted for Pascha.
We have been blessed to bear witness in the troubled and holy land of the Middle East, where our Messiah was martyred, crucified, buried, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. The heart of Christianity and Orthodoxy beats in Jerusalem every Easter!
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