On December 20, at the "Rava-Ruska-Khrebenne" checkpoint (Lviv region, Ukrainian-Polish border), Polish harcerze officially handed over the Bethlehem fire to members of the National Scout Organization of Ukraine (plastuny). This was reported by the press service of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
\n \nThe fire comes to us through a "scout relay" initiated by Austrian scouts, who light their candles in Bethlehem and spread the Light as a symbol of peace, love, brotherhood, and unity of scouts around the world. Then the plastuny pass this fire on to churches, from where it spreads to the faithful.
\n \nPeople can use the fire from Bethlehem to light candles at home for the Holy Supper. In addition, the Fire is taken to orphanages and hospitals so that those who are far from their families can feel the warmth of the Star of Bethlehem. Traditionally, the Fire is kept in the church until January 19.
\n \nLviv Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cardinal Marian Jaworski, His Holiness Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine Filaret, and Supreme Archbishop Metropolitan Cardinal Lubomyr Husar blessed the handing over of the Bethlehem fire.
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