[InTimeNews]
The mission from Jerusalem carrying the Holy Light – or Holy Fire – arrived in Greece shortly after 8 p.m. As is custom, it was welcomed at Athens International Airport with the honors of a visiting head of state, before beginning its journey to churches across the country.
Following the welcoming ceremony, the Holy Light was transported to the Church of Agioi Anargyroi in Plaka, the seat, or “Metochi” of the Holy Sepulchre in Greece.
Aegean and Olympic Air have scheduled flights to distribute the Holy Light to the rest of Greece. This year, 18 new destinations have been added.
The Holy Light is being shared among the faithful in churches across the country following the midnight “Christ Is Risen” hymn, which celebrates the Resurrection of Christ.
It was lit earlier on Saturday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III formally handed over the Holy Light to the Greek delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos.
“It is of great importance for every Greek government to have this unique and honorable privilege — to stand here, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, at the Holy Tomb, and to receive from your hands, as guardian of the Holy Sepulchre, this Holy Light — a symbol of hope and optimism for all of humanity,” Loverdos said to the Patriarch.