Ritual of the Holy Fire
Photo: AFP
Jerusalem: Masses mark Easter Saturday
Thousands of devout Christians attend annual Church of Holy Sepulchre ritual symbolizing Jesus' resurrection
Thousands of Christian pilgrims gathered in and around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to mark Easter Saturday's ritual of the Holy Fire.
The ceremony noted no disruptions.
Orthodox Christians flocked en masse to the church to celebrate the annual ritual symbolizing Jesus' resurrection. Armenian, Greek, Coptic and Syrian Orthodox Christians from all over the world participated in celebrations in the streets of the Old City since early Saturday .
Ritual of the Holy Fire (Photo: AFP)
Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theofilos III presided over the ceremony. According to the Christian faith, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is where Jesus was buried.
Traditionally, the ceremony sees priests enter Jesus' tomb to pray and emerge with candles said to be lit by the Holy Spirit.
The flame is then spread by worshippers holding candles all around the Christian Quarter of the Old City.
Friday marked Easter Friday, otherwise known as Good Friday. Hundreds of Christians visiting Jerusalem attended the traditional walk the Via Dolorosa, retracing the final footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Ziv Reinstein contributed to this report
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
