BETHLEHEM, Saturday, April 27, 2019 (WAFA) – Palestinian Christians following the Orthodox Church along with international pilgrims marked today Holy Fire in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and in East Jerusalem, a day before Easter holiday.

A large procession of Palestinians in occupied East Jerusalem gathered to receive the holy fire at the Church of Holy Sepulcher in the Old City.

In Bethlehem, Palestinian police were deployed to organize traffic and help worshipers and marching bands reach the churches to receive the holy fire coming from Jerusalem.

The celebration marks the day following Good Friday, when Christians believe Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem, and the day before Easter, which marks his resurrection.

Palestinian Christians as well as Eastern Orthodox Christians from around the world believe that on the Saturday between these two holidays, a divine fire from heaven appears above his tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Christians believe that this fire ignites candles held by the Greek Orthodox patriarch, in an annual rite dating back to the 4th century that symbolizes the resurrection of Christ.

Every year, thousands gather in Jerusalem‘s Old City to welcome the fire, which is subsequently brought to churches in Palestinian towns and villages throughout the Holy Land.

M.N