Pyrovassia — fire walking in Greece (21/05)

Pyrovassia, or fire walking, is a — holiday celebrated by the Anastenarians, a small people living in northern Greece, from May 21 to 23. Despite the fact that fire walking is associated with pagan rituals, Greek Pyrovassia — is a Christian holiday. The Greek Orthodox Church has long declared the Firemen pagans, but they still sincerely believe that during the holiday they are patronized by Saints Constantine and Helen.

The three-day holiday begins with the fact that residents of small towns and villages simultaneously pray, repent of their sins, cry, dance and thereby put themselves into a trance. Having gathered in the central square, where by that time the fire had burned and the coals were smoldering, they feel divine grace and feel that fire — is their best friend. Leisurely walking barefoot over the coals, they show off their feet, which have no traces of burns. Their faces express only joy, and it is clear that walking on hot coals is not a difficult test for them, to which they decide for the glory of the Lord, but joy, ecstasy and pleasure.

Firefighters hold icons depicting St. Helena and St. Constantine above their heads: local legend speaks of the miraculous rescue of these icons in 1250 by local residents from a burning church set on fire by enemies. Since the Anastenarians believe, grateful saints have rewarded the descendants of brave villagers with the ability to walk on fire without being burned.

In addition, according to people who have undergone such extreme training as fire walking, a person releases energy that has been suspended in the past. A person moves forward, accumulating new forces and cleansing his structure.

786