Orthodox Christianity: 'Holy Fire'

Christian Orthodox worshippers hold up candles lit from the 'Holy Fire' as thousands of Orthodox Christians gather in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City on 26 April 2008 during the Orthodox Easter ceremony of the 'Holy Fire'.

The ceremony celebrated in the same way for 11 centuries, is marked by the appearance of 'sacred fire' in the two cavities on either side of the Holy Sepulcher.

The Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is the site of the final resting place of Jesus (PBUH), according to Christian tradition.

Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III circles the aedicule as thousands of Orthodox Christians gather in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem's Old City on 26 April 2008 during the Orthodox Easter ceremony of the 'Holy Fire.'

Palestinian Orthodox Christians celebrate the arrival of the 'Holy Fire' from Jerusalem's Holy Sepulcher in the city of Ramallah.

Palestinian Orthodox Christians celebrating in the city of Ramallah.

A Greek Orthodox worshipper carries a lantern lit from the 'Holy Fire' in the Church of the Nativity in the city of Bethlehem on 26 April 2008 during the Orthodox Easter ceremony of the 'Holy Fire'.