Bethlehem Fire of Peace burning at <i>The Day</i>

Yesterday four Kyiv secondary school students, members of the local Plast organization, aged between four and eight, visited Den/The Day’s office, bringing the Bethlehem Fire of Peace. This newspaper is the Plast’s information partner and keeps its readers informed about the activities of this patriotic organization. Needless to say, the school students were accorded welcome.

“The boys visited Austria and brought the Fire of Peace to Ukraine on December 14. We have held 11 fire-transfer events and the biggest one took place at the Ukrainian Home. Many people attended and lit their icon lamps. We plan to visit fifteen other organizations,” says Kyiv Plast activist Mykola Slobodian.

Austria launched this good Christmas Eve Bethlehem-Fire-transfer tradition in 1986. The idea was conceived by the Austrian ORF television company in Linz. From the outset this project was meant to aid physically handicapped children and all those who need help on Christmas Eve. Plast promptly took over the initiative, so that every year since then ORF people and Austrian Scouts have been bringing this fire from the place of birth of Jesus Christ to Austria by air.

In Ukraine, the Bethlehem Fire of Peace is traditionally spread by members of the Plast National Scout Organization. This year marks the 12th such project. Plast members say this fire symbolizes expectation of the birth of our Lord (marked on January 7 under the Eastern Orthodox tradition). Over the past 12 years this symbol of peace has been a festive addition to the Christmas festivities. Plast people say one shouldn’t be afraid of this fire dying in the course of transfer; you can light it again at home. The main thing is the spirit of love and solidarity you receive with this fire from Bethlehem. Traditionally, this fire is kept burning in church until Epiphany (marked on January 19).