ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CEREMONY OF THE HOLY FIRE IN CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE IN JERUSALEM,...

Thousands of Orthodox Christians leave the Church of the Holy Sepulchre through the large wooden doors (R) as the "Ceremony of the Holy Fire" is celebrated April 29. Christian faithful believe the church is built on the site of Jesus' last resting place after his body was removed from the cross. A fire is first taken from inside Jesus' tomb under the large rotunda in the main section of the ancient church and rapidly spreads as the faithful light each other's candles. On floor (center) is a large marble slab believed to mark the place where Jesus was annointed when removed from the cross before burial. JWH