The Festival of Lights
by Shimi Cohen
As a non-believer, I was initially hesitant to attend the Festival of Lights in the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem. However, the event was a beautiful celebration of faith and community, and I felt honored to witness it. The festival takes place in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Thousands of Christians from around the world gather for the ceremony, which symbolizes Jesus' resurrection. The festival is also known as the Holy Fire ceremony, and it has been observed for over a millennium. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is a small, peaceful complex located in the heart of downtown Jerusalem. During Easter, the complex comes alive, and I can recommended a visit to witness the ceremony. The people attending the ceremony were dressed in traditional Ethiopian clothing, which added to the festive atmosphere. It was a beautiful sight to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate their faith.
As the ceremony began, the atmosphere was electric. The air was filled with the sounds of hymns and prayers, and the smell of incense. The eager anticipation of the believers was palpable, and it was clear that this was an important event for them.
The highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the Holy Fire. The flame is taken from Jesus' tomb and used to light the candles of the faithful.
It was a beautiful sight to see the people holding their candles, and the light spreading throughout the church. As a non-believer, I was struck by the symbolism of the fire. For Christians, the fire symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus and the triumph of light over darkness.
Overall, my experience at the Festival of Lights in the Ethiopian Church in Jerusalem was one of wonder and awe, it was beautiful celebration of faith.
