On December 15, the Bethlehem flame of peace — a symbol of hope, love and unity — arrived in Kyiv. Today, it can already be obtained at the railway stations of 22 cities of Ukraine, JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" reported in its Telegram channel.
The Bethlehem Flame of Peace is an international tradition started in 1986 in the Austrian city of Linz. The idea arose as a way to convey the warmth of Christmas to those who cannot celebrate at home - hospital patients, residents of orphanages and those in need of support.
The symbolic fire is lit in Bethlehem and travels around the world thanks to scouting organizations. In Ukraine, it is distributed every year by the scout organization "Plast" , which brings fire from abroad and passes it on - to communities, churches and homes.
This year, the Flame of Bethlehem arrived in the capital despite the challenges of the war. According to the representatives of Ukrzaliznytsia, even during the air raid, the handover ceremony took place in a shelter, and after its completion, all those willing could take the fire home.
Where and how to get fire
From December 16, the Bethlehem Flame of Peace will be available at train stations in the following cities:
- Kyiv
- Vinnitsa
- Khmelnytskyi
- Ternopil
- Uzhhorod
- Lviv
- Ivano-Frankivsk
- Chernivtsi
- Rivne
- Lutsk
- Korosten
- Znamyanka
- Dnipro
- Zaporizhzhia
- Odesa
- Poltava
- Kramatorsk
- Kharkiv
- Raisins
- Chernihiv
- Konotop
- Mykolaiv
Special stands will be set up at the stations, where everyone can take a candle or a lamp and light it from the Bethlehem fire.
The Bethlehem flame symbolizes not only the Christmas spirit, but also solidarity, which is especially important for Ukrainians in difficult times. Despite all the challenges, this tradition remains a source of inspiration and unites people in different parts of the country.
Taking the fire home is an opportunity to join a great global gesture of kindness that warms the hearts of millions.
