Orthodox Easter: A look at the celebrations worldwide and its history
'Holy Fire ceremony'
Huge crowds of pilgrims on Saturday marked the "Holy Fire" ceremony at Christianity's holiest site in Jerusalem's Old City on the eve of Orthodox Easter.
'Over 10,000 packed into church'
Some 10,000 believers holding candles squeezed into the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.
'Site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion'
They packed into the ancient church, believed to be built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
Resurrection of Christ
Thousands more crammed the square outside and surrounding streets to receive the flame, representing the resurrection of Christ, which passed from candle to candle and will be taken back to Orthodox churches worldwide.
'Miracle occurring every year'
The Holy Fire is considered a miracle occurring every year on Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter Sunday. At exactly 2pm local time every year, a sunbeam is believed to shine through the window in the ceiling of the church and light a lamp placed in the tomb.
What is Orthodox Easter?
There are two different Easter holidays, one is Orthodox and the other is Catholic Easter. Both fall on separate days and marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The reason behind the separate days is the different calendars followed by different churches.
Julian calender
Easter Orthodox churches inclduing of Jerusalem, Russia, Romania and Greece base their Easter celebration according to the Julian calender. Rest of the world follows Gregorian calender.
Passover festival
According to eastern Orthodox churches Easter must happen a day after Jewish festival 'Passover' which lasts for seven to eight days in the world, as it is said that Jesus travelled to Jerusalem and celebrated Passover before his death.
(Story inputs from agencies)
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