Yesterday, in southern Greece, the flame for the Olympic Games in Brazil was lit, using the sun's rays, by an actor performing the role of a high priestess. The torch will be taken by various runners on an international relay that will culminate at the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on 5 August. This ritual was established eighty years ago for the Berlin games, based on a ceremony in ancient Olympia where games were held for more than 1,000 years. Actor Katerina Lehou, who lit the torch, offered a mock prayer to Apollo, the old Greek god of light and music, at the ceremony. The flame burns continuously until the closing ceremony. Records reveal that the pagan Olympic Games and rituals still used today began in 776 BC in Olympia in Greece and are totally rooted in pagan religious symbolism and declarations. Christians are encouraged to pray for the Holy Spirit’s protection and blessings for the Olympic torch route to Rio in the coming months.