The Sacred 33 Jerusalem Candles: Carrying the Holy Fire's Blessing

From the ancient stones of Jerusalem, a profound spiritual tradition unfolds each year, culminating in the miraculous Descent of the Holy Fire in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This sacred event, witnessed by thousands of pilgrims annually, is deeply intertwined with the beloved 33 Jerusalem candles, becoming a tangible link to one of Christianity's most significant mysteries.

The Miracle of the Holy Fire: A Timeless Witness

Known since antiquity, the Holy Fire, or Holy Light, emerges from the Holy Sepulchre each year during a special service on Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter. This miraculous appearance in the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem symbolizes the way the Holy Light emerged from the Sepulchre itself – representing the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a divine affirmation, demonstrating the Lord's triumph over death.

One of the most awe-inspiring features of the descended Fire is its unique property: it does not burn in the first few minutes after its appearance. The earliest written accounts of this phenomenon date back to the 4th century AD, underscoring its enduring spiritual significance through the ages.

Why Exactly 33 Candles? A Symbol of Christ's Earthly Journey

Thousands of pilgrims flock to Jerusalem on the eve of the Great Easter holiday, yearning to touch the holy places and witness this miracle of miracles. Those blessed enough to be within the Holy Sepulchre on that day reverently hold a bundle of 33 candles, waiting with bated breath, fervently praying for the Holy Fire's descent.

The number 33 is not arbitrary; it symbolizes the number of years of our Savior, Jesus Christ's earthly life. These candles are closely bound together, forming a single, significant "Jerusalem torch." When the special worship service commences on Holy Saturday, a great lamp and candles are brought into the cave of the Holy Sepulchre.

As the Greek Patriarch, along with the Armenian Archimandrite and all the faithful gathered around the Edicule and in the Atrium Square, begin their fervent prayers, the long-awaited Holy Fire descends. From this sacred flame, the Patriarch and Archimandrite light their bundles, bringing them to the windows of the Edicule. From there, the Fire is shared, spreading rapidly throughout the temple as all present strive to light their own 33 candles from this miraculous source, rejoicing in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each pilgrim endeavors to light their candles directly from those held by the Patriarch, receiving his blessing.

Bringing the Holy Fire Home: Usage and Reverence

Once ignited by the Holy Fire, these 33 Jerusalem candles are believed to carry its sacred essence, capable of lighting other candles and allowing believers to preserve the Holy Fire's grace in their homes for extended periods.

Many ponder how to use these consecrated candles without diminishing their sanctity. While some believe it's essential to keep the bundle intact, always lighting the entire "torch" and giving all 33 candles as a gift, others maintain that the personal reverence and faith with which the candles are treated are paramount. We believe that both perspectives hold truth, as the true significance lies in the faith and reverence you bring to their use.

You can light these candles throughout the year, with the exception of Good Friday during Holy Week. At home, you may light the entire torch and then use it to light an individual candle. To "save" the Holy Fire, you can extinguish the flame of the torch by hand or with a suitable vessel, rather than snuffing it out. These candles are traditionally lit during morning and evening prayers, and in moments of joy, sorrow, or hardship, offering comfort and spiritual strength.

A Precious Gift of Grace from the Holy Land

For pilgrims who have had the profound experience of visiting the Holy Sepulchre, these 33 candles serve as a precious memory of witnessing the miraculous Descent of the Holy Fire. For believers who have not yet had the opportunity to visit the Holy Land but are blessed to receive these candles as a gift, they offer a unique chance to touch a sacred shrine and feel the grace of God.

Consider presenting 33 Jerusalem candles to your beloved family, friends, and relatives. It is a truly precious gift for all faithful Orthodox Christians and believers of other denominations. Through this sacred offering, your loved ones can gain spiritual strength, fortify their faith, rejoice, and truly feel the abundant goodness of the Lord, connecting them directly to the heart of the Holy Land's spiritual blessings.