In Pictures: Orthodox Christians in Jerusalem attend Holy Fire ceremony ahead of Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Christians carrying lit candles on Saturday gathered around the Edicule, believed to be the burial site of Jesus Christ, during the Holy Fire ceremony at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre. (AFP)
Orthodox Christians believe that on Holy Saturday a miracle takes place when a blue light is emitted from Jesus Christ's tomb. The light is believed to form a column of fire, from which candles are lit. (AFP)
The Holy Fire is then taken to countries with major Orthodox churches via special flights. Such countries include Greece, Lebanon, and Egypt, among others. (AFP)
A worshipper shows his lit candle in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Holy Fire ceremony. (AFP)
The ceremony, which is held on Good Saturday, or Holy Saturday, and which precedes Orthodox Easter Sunday, typically attracts tens of thousands of worshippers to Jerusalem. (AFP)
Last year the ceremony was held in a near-empty church due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in Jerusalem. (AFP)
This year, Israel's rapid vaccination programme has meant that restrictions on gatherings have been greatly eased, allowing for large crowds. (AFP)
Entry was limited to those who were fully vaccinated. As such, there was no social distancing and only a few people in the church wore masks. (AFP)
Palestinians paraded in the streets of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah to celebrate the arrival of the Holy Fire. (AFP)
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