Vifliem Fire of Peace
This wonderful Christmas tradition – to distribute Vifliem Fire of Peace – was initiated in 1986 by Austrian broadcasting company ORF form Linz. At the very beginning main aim was to help physically challenged children as well as many other people who need attention on Christmas Eve. Scouts were one of the first to participate in this noble undertaking.
Each year scouts from Austria travel to Jesus Christ’s birthplace in Vifliem to take holy fire and then deliver it by plane to Austria. After official ceremonial in Vienna Cathedral fire relay goes to neighboring countries. From hands to hands, from one scout center to other, passing many borders Bethlehem Fire makes its way to all waiting for the light of warmth, peace and belief. This light of warmth, peace, harmony and hope travels from west to east passing borders and uniting all Christians on Christmas Eve.
In Ukraine Vifliem Fire is distributed by members of Plast – National Scout Organization of Ukraine. This year will be the ninth time when Plast takes Vifliem Fire over from Polish scouts and bring it to Ukrainian community, churches, shall take it to children orphanages, hospitals, so that those separated from their families could feel warmth of the Vifliem Star.
Scouts explain that blazing fire symbolizes expectations during the lent, complete sacrifice. The light is a symbol of warmth, peace and harmony, as well as peace of mind, love of people and world. At the same time, this beam means solidarity with all far away, solidarity with the needy, union with Jesus Christ born in poverty. Back in XII century a participant of Crusades brought this light from Vifliem as a gift to his family and friends, as symbol of Utmost Benevolence.
The idea of Fire and its simple symbols have been accepted by Ukrainian people and the Fire has become essential part of Christmas celebration for many of us during the past few years. This is why people light candles for the Holy Supper with the Vifliem Fire. Traditionally, the Fire is kept in churches until Epiphany celebrated on January 19. Only after this day it can be putt off. Thus people can have the Fire for each Holy Supper.
Previously, actions of the holy fire transition were blessed by Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchy), Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Autocephalous) and Ukrainian Roman Catholic Church.
You can also be part of light of the Bethlehem Fire of Peace!
Each year scouts from Austria travel to Jesus Christ’s birthplace in Vifliem to take holy fire and then deliver it by plane to Austria. After official ceremonial in Vienna Cathedral fire relay goes to neighboring countries. From hands to hands, from one scout center to other, passing many borders Bethlehem Fire makes its way to all waiting for the light of warmth, peace and belief. This light of warmth, peace, harmony and hope travels from west to east passing borders and uniting all Christians on Christmas Eve.
In Ukraine Vifliem Fire is distributed by members of Plast – National Scout Organization of Ukraine. This year will be the ninth time when Plast takes Vifliem Fire over from Polish scouts and bring it to Ukrainian community, churches, shall take it to children orphanages, hospitals, so that those separated from their families could feel warmth of the Vifliem Star.
Scouts explain that blazing fire symbolizes expectations during the lent, complete sacrifice. The light is a symbol of warmth, peace and harmony, as well as peace of mind, love of people and world. At the same time, this beam means solidarity with all far away, solidarity with the needy, union with Jesus Christ born in poverty. Back in XII century a participant of Crusades brought this light from Vifliem as a gift to his family and friends, as symbol of Utmost Benevolence.
The idea of Fire and its simple symbols have been accepted by Ukrainian people and the Fire has become essential part of Christmas celebration for many of us during the past few years. This is why people light candles for the Holy Supper with the Vifliem Fire. Traditionally, the Fire is kept in churches until Epiphany celebrated on January 19. Only after this day it can be putt off. Thus people can have the Fire for each Holy Supper.
Previously, actions of the holy fire transition were blessed by Ukrainian Eastern Catholic Church, Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchy), Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Autocephalous) and Ukrainian Roman Catholic Church.
You can also be part of light of the Bethlehem Fire of Peace!