HE TESTIMONY OF
PANAGIOTA AITAKI
The Holy Light Ceremony that occurs on Holy Saturday is an experience
that defies explanation. I remember vividly the time when I and some Greek
friends visited Jerusalem to attend the festive ceremony of the descent of the
Holy Fire , which is a rather hit-or-miss affair as millions of people all
over the world travel every year to witness the miracle. The Israeli police was
piling on the wait as we were waiting behind the railings to be beckoned over.
The wait was excruciatingly long, taking into account the fact that the Greeks
always got the short end of the stick. It was down to divine providence that we
were rushed to an area I had never been. On the top balcony, the view was
breathtaking, says Mrs Panagiota Aitaki.
We had no idea of what would ensue.
As I was standing,I saw the Greek Hagiotafites parade around the tomb
inside. .couple of minutes before the Patriarch entered the
Aedicule, I saw three golden balls floating, opening and merging into an
equilateral triangle. I screamed in amazement only to discover that I was in
good company. Everyone beside me was awed and crying. The Holy Trinity,
indivisible. After a while I saw the spontaneous ignition of two big candles.
Two shocks in a row...Then the Patriarch came out, visibly moved, passing out the
flame to the torch-bearers.Since then I have been to the Holy Land 50 times.But many Armenians like Soukias
Tchilingirian, say: "It's not a miracle. Probably because he has never
seen the Holy Fire descending and swirling like many pilgrims have
testified. If you are devoid of faith and lack a pure heart, God will make sure
you will never see it, Mrs Aitaki remarks.
All rights reserved Sofia Kioroglou ©
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου