Bethlehem Light of Peace Arrives in Kyiv
On December 25, 2010, Plast scouts in Kyiv received the Bethlehem Fire. Each year scouts around the world spread the Bethlehem light through a relay, which traditionally begins in Vienna. Polish Scouts passed the light to Ukrainian Plast members on December 17, at the Ukrainian-Polish border. On December 25 in Kyiv, on Volodymyr's Hill, the Bethlehem light was handed to representatives of the clergy from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, and the Roman Catholic Church. The symbol of peace and harmony was also spread to Plast scouts in different regions of Ukraine and to representatives of other scouting organizations. All residents and guests of Kyiv may light their Christmas candles in St. Michael's Cathedral, the Greek Catholic St. Basil the Great’s Church, or the Roman Catholic St. Alexander’s Church. Background information Ukrainian Plast members already for the 12th year help bring the Bethlehem light to all parts of Ukraine so that everyone may receive fire from the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The relay Bethlehem Light of Peace was established in 1988 by the Austrian television company ORF. From the beginning it was intended to support disabled children and all who need care and attention at Christmas time. Immediately scouts all around the world adopted this noble cause.
