Christians gather in Jerusalem to mark Holy Saturday

Christian communities across the world are marking Holy Saturday, a deeply revered occasion in the Eastern Christian calendar, with Jerusalem at the heart of the celebrations. The day, which precedes Easter Sunday, commemorates the moment between Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, and is considered a powerful symbol of hope, renewal, and spiritual light.

In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—believed to be the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection—thousands of worshippers gathered for one of the most sacred traditions: the Holy Fire ceremony.

According to centuries-old belief, a divine flame emerges from Christ’s tomb on this day. The Orthodox Patriarch lights a candle from the fire and passes it to the faithful, filling the ancient church with flickering flames—a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and the light that dispels spiritual darkness.

The ceremony, rich with symbolism and devotion, draws pilgrims from around the world, including Orthodox, Catholic, and other Christian denominations, all seeking to experience this profound spiritual moment in the heart of Jerusalem.

While the Holy Fire ritual is most famously celebrated in Jerusalem, churches in countries such as Greece, Russia, and Egypt also hold special liturgies and candlelight ceremonies to honor the day. In Egypt, Coptic Orthodox Christians participate in solemn vigils, lighting candles and singing hymns late into the night as they await Easter morning.