Phenomenal - The Greek Easter Welcomes Holy Fire #travel #athens #orthodox #easter

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Yesterday, I witnessed the Good Friday procession in Athens, and today, on Holy Saturday, the Holy Fire, taken from the Holy Sepulchre Church in the Old City of Jerusalem, has been airlifted to Athens by a special plane arranged by the Greek government. The ceremony to receive the Holy Fire is expected to take place at 8 p.m. at the Holy Church of the Holy Unmercenaries of Kolokynthis, not far from where we stay. This would be the first stop for the Holy Fire upon its arrival from Jerusalem, after which it would be distributed to other churches nationwide, and later in the midnight, the faithful will take the fire back to their homes.

When we arrived at the church at half past seven, many people were already waiting in the courtyard, each holding a small oil lamp or a wind-resistant candle, their expressions solemn. The church was also crowded with numerous reporters, poised with their equipment.

Just after a shower of rain in the evening, the air was damp and cold. The breeze continued to blow relentlessly, and by nine o'clock, the Holy Fire had not yet arrived. I began to worry whether it might be extinguished by the strong wind and also concerned about the female reporter in light clothing catching a cold. The scent of grilled squid from the restaurant next to the church wafted over, and my stomach started to rumble.

As the crowd grew larger and the sky darker, and the temperature dropped further, I shivered with cold. I asked an elderly devout man beside me why there was no movement at this time, and he explained that the special plane might not be punctual, but it would arrive in a little while. With the limited English that he knew, he introduced to me their traditions and faith. In Greece, Easter is a more significant holiday than Christmas. Everyone is eagerly anticipating...

As he spoke, the Holy Fire arrived. The crowd eagerly surged towards the source of fire, lighting their own small candles and then carefully protecting them from the wind and rain. Some women even cried because of the flames in their hands. At that moment, I thought of the sick woman in the New Testament who touched the hem of Jesus' garment and was saved by her faith, and I was deeply moved.

At this moment, the candle of the elderly man beside me also ignited. He bid me farewell with kindness and blessed me, and I wished him happiness and peace. I told him that unfortunately, I would be flying back home tomorrow and couldn't take the Holy Fire back to with me, but the love of God that I felt here today would stay in my heart. He smiled knowingly and said, "I believe so too."

As I write these words, it is midnight. After the church bells have rung, fireworks begin to illuminate the sky. They say Athens is most beautiful at night, and tonight, it is especially so.

Happy Easter to you, Greece!