Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed the Holy Fire from Jerusalem on Holy Saturday evening at the Patriarchal Cathedral. He emphasized that the Holy Fire is a divine gift, symbolizing the love of Christ, the Light of the World.
“The Holy Fire is bestowed by God upon those who have faith in Christ and truly love Him, just as He revealed Himself after the Resurrection only to those who cherished Him,” Patriarch Daniel explained.
He further elaborated, “Christ chose not to appear to those who crucified Him, nor to those who despised Him, nor to those who ridiculed Him, as He respected their free will and did not impose His resurrected presence upon them.”
“Therefore, the Fire from the Holy Sepulchre, representing the Light of the Risen Christ, is a sacred, mysterious, and unparalleled light. It is a gift from the Risen Christ to those who believe in Him, love Him, and illuminate their lives through faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.”
Bringing the Holy Fire to Romania for 15 years
Patriarch Daniel recalled that the tradition of bringing the Holy Fire to Romania has been ongoing for fifteen years, facilitated by efficient transportation methods.
He also highlighted the recipients of the Holy Fire within the Romanian Patriarchate, stating, “For instance, this evening, our brethren from the Metropolis of Bessarabia will receive the Holy Fire from Jerusalem, along with believers from various regions of the country, as well as Ukrainian faithful near Maramureș, and Czech and Slovak believers who receive the Holy Fire from Baia Mare.”
Concluding his remarks, Patriarch Daniel expressed his wish for everyone to partake in the Light of Christ at midnight, illuminating all for the glory of the Holy Trinity and our salvation.
The Holy Fire descended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Holy Saturday around 14:13 and was brought to Bucharest by Archimandrite Teofil Anăstăsoaie, the Representative of the Romanian Patriarchate at the Holy Places.
Source: basilica.ro / Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene
