The secret world of Christian Jerusalem
Thousands of Orthodox worshipers hold up candles as they gather in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher during the ceremony of the Holy Fire. A candle is lit at Christ’s tomb, then another and another until the entire church is ablaze, with the fire symbolizing the resurrection. 2010.
It's a secret world through a labyrinth of chapels and altars, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures.
Tucked away, deep in the maze of winding, narrow streets in Jerusalem’s Old City, stands the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, one of the most famous religious sites in the world.
The church was built on the spot where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. The church was constructed by the Byzantines and rebuilt by the crusaders. It remains the most popular destination for countless Christian pilgrims from across the globe.
On Good Friday, thousands of pilgrims retrace Jesus' last steps, making their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. On Saturday, believers will fill the church for a ritual known as the Holy Fire, where a flame is passed from candle to candle, until light fills the entire building.