Orthodox Christians with candles and cell phones in hand crowded into Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre on the Saturday before Orthodox Easter Sunday, which this year is celebrated one week after Christianity in the West.
The devout waited for religious leaders to emerge with the "Holy Fire," which, as the video above shows, quickly spread throughout the church. The fire is then taken on planes to Greece and other Orthodox Christian communities around the world.
According to AP, the ritual dates back at least 1,200 years, and is considered a miracle and a message to the faithful from heaven.
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Holding Up Holy Fire
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Candles Lit From Holy Fire
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Orthodox Easter Joy
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Lighting Candles From The Holy Fire
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Holy Fire In Church Of The Holy Sepulchre
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Orthodox Christians Light From Holy Fire
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Holy Fire on Easter
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Candles Held High
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Full Hands and Hearts
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Holy Fire In Church of the Holy Sepulchre
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