Today the Holy Fire arrived in Irkutsk from Jerusalem, traditionally descending on the eve of Easter. Clergy immediately carried it through the city and brought it to the Znamensky Cathedral, where Bishop Vadim met the relic. Then the fire will be sent to other cities in the region, including Bratsk, Ust Ilimsk and the northern areas of Priangarye.
Today at 5:30 a.m., the Holy Fire from Jerusalem arrived in Irkutsk.The miracle of the descent of the Holy Fire is performed every year on the eve of Easter in Jerusalem. This year, 2009, was no exception. As Orthodox Christians say, "The Lord has shown His mercy and granted us another year of life."
Directly from the airport, the clergy drove it around the entire city, after which they delivered it to Irkutsk’s main church - the Znamensky Cathedral. There, the Holy Fire was greeted by Bishop Vadim.
- We already have a tradition: just like Easter, two sleepless nights, - said Abbot Maximilian (Klyuev). - From Saturday to Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ in the church, and on the night of Monday we welcome the Holy Fire, which, thank God, is delivered to our diocese every year.
According to Father Maximilian, today the fire will be delivered to Bratsk and Ust-Ilimsk, and tomorrow it will be sent by plane to the northernmost points of our region - Bodaibo, Kirensk, Ust-Kut, etc.