Christian worshippers thronged the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to celebrate the ceremony of the “Holy Fire.” It's an ancient ritual that for a second year in a row sparked tensions with the Israeli police.
1 of 10
Christians pilgrims hold candles during the Holy Fire ceremony, a day before Easter, at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected, in Jerusalem's Old City, Saturday, April 15, 2023.
JERUSALEM — Christian worshippers thronged the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on Saturday to celebrate the ceremony of the “Holy Fire,” an ancient ritual that sparked tensions this year with the Israeli police. In the annual ceremony that has been observed for over a millennium, a flame taken from Jesus’ tomb is used to light the candles of fervent believers in Greek Orthodox communities near and far. The devout believe the origin of the flame is a miracle and is shrouded in mystery.
On Saturday, after hours of frantic anticipation, a priest reached inside the dim tomb and ignited his candle. Each neighbor passed the light to another and, little by little, the darkened church was irradiated by tiny patches of light, which eventually illuminated the whole building.Many trying to get to the church — built on the site where Christian tradition holds that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected — were thrilled to mark the rite of the Orthodox Easter week in Jerusalem.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Christian faithful flock to ‘Holy Fire’ under restrictionsChristian worshippers thronged the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on Saturday to celebrate the ceremony of the “Holy Fire,” an ancient, mysterious ritual that has sparked tensions this year with the Israeli police.
Read more »
Orthodox Christians await Holy Light in Jerusalem under heavy police restrictionsCrowds arrived at Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre church ahead of the annual Orthodox Church's Holy Fire ceremony. Police barricades around the site held back hundreds of worshippers and pilgrims as only people with a permit were allowed to enter
Read more »
Bomb found by Pa. fire department while fighting nearby brush fireAn agent from the FBI and the Allentown State Police Bomb Squad were both called in for assistance.
Read more »
North Jersey wildfire grows, 1 structure evacuated, multiple others threatened, officials sayThe fire was now only 25% contained compared to 40% Thursday morning, fire officials said.
Read more »
14 displaced in Bret Harte fireNo injuries were reported in the fire, though the SFFD said a pet dog was killed in the blaze.
Read more »