Thousands of Orthodox Christians were to celebrate the ritual of the Holy Fire on Easter Saturday in Jerusalem, in an annual ritual symbolising Jesus' resurrection, DPA reported.
Armenian, Greek, Coptic and Syrian Orthodox Christians from all over the world participated since early Saturday in celebrations in the streets of the Old City.
Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theofilos III was scheduled to begin the ceremony inside the Holy Sepulchre, the place where Christians believe Jesus was buried.
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.
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