Thousands gather as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem arrives at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the holy fire ceremony.<br/> <br />The Holy Fire is considered a miracle occurring every year on Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter Sunday.<br/> <br />At exactly 2pm local time, a sun beam is believed to shine through the window in the ceiling of the church and light a lamp placed in the tomb.<br/> <br />The fire is rapidly spread throughout the church as worshippers light each other's candles.<br/> <br />In past centuries, worshippers were expected to bring the flame back to their villages around Russia and Eastern Europe.<br/> <br />Traditionally, an olive lamp lit by the "Holy Fire" is transferred soon after the ceremony to the West Bank town of Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus.
