Holy fire ceremony in Jerusalem draws thousands

In ritual dating back at least 1,200 years, worshippers crowd into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christian tradition holds that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected • Details of the flame's source are a closely guarded secret.

צילום: AP // Christian Orthodox worshippers hold up candles during the ceremony of the 'Holy Fire' in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, Saturday

Thousands of Christians gathered in Jerusalem Saturday for an ancient fire ceremony that celebrates Jesus' resurrection.

In a ritual dating back at least 1,200 years, they crowded into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christian tradition holds that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

During the annual ceremony, top Eastern Orthodox clerics enter the Edicule, the small chamber marking the site of Jesus' tomb. They then emerge to reveal candles said to be miraculously lit with "holy fire" as a message to the faithful from heaven.

The details of the flame's source are a closely guarded secret.

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