In 1579, a remarkable event, deeply intertwined with the ancient Holy Fire ceremony, occurred at the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) in Jerusalem.
This annual ritual, held on Holy Saturday (the day before Orthodox Easter), is a central tradition in Orthodox Christianity, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the light emanating from his tomb. During this ceremony, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem enters the Holy Edicule (the small structure enclosing the traditional site of Jesus’ burial) and, after prayer, emerges with candles miraculously lit – believed by many faithful to be a divine manifestation.
However, in 1579, Turkish authorities, for reasons of control or due to pressure from other Christian denominations, prevented the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Sophronius IV and the Orthodox faithful from entering the church for this sacred rite. A stunning miracle occurred as the Patriarch stood sorrowfully with his congregation outside the locked doors, near a specific column on the left side of the entrance. The column spontaneously cracked open, and the Holy Fire burst forth from within it. This fire was then used to light the candles of the waiting Orthodox worshippers, demonstrating the miraculous power despite the obstruction.
Historical accounts of this event are preserved in various Proskynitaria of Jerusalem, guides for pilgrims that often detail significant events and holy sites. These writings serve as important historical documentation of the miracle. The article also recounts the story of Tunom (or Tounom), a Muslim emir who witnessed this extraordinary event from a nearby mosque. So profoundly moved by the undeniable miracle of the Holy Fire emanating from the stone column, Tunom publicly confessed his belief in Jesus Christ. This conversion, considered an apostasy under Ottoman rule, led to his execution by burning. The Orthodox Church subsequently recognized Tunom as a holy martyr and saint, commemorating his faith and martyrdom.
Further analysis of the cracked column, which remains visible in the church to this day, has been undertaken. Notably, physicist Evgeny Michailovich Morozov suggested that the crack’s formation could be consistent with an electrical discharge, which some believers interpret as further evidence of the miraculous nature of the Holy Fire’s appearance.
Even without such dramatic interventions, the Holy Fire ceremony remains a powerful and highly significant event for Orthodox Christians worldwide. It draws thousands of pilgrims annually to Jerusalem, symbolizing the core tenets of their faith and the enduring presence of the divine. The miracle of the split column in 1579 serves as a powerful historical testament to the deep spiritual significance of this ancient tradition and the unwavering faith of the Orthodox community in the face of adversity.
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