JERUSALEM, April 7 (UPI) -- Heavy security and a ban on cars were the order of the day Saturday in the Old City of Jerusalem ahead of the annual "Holy Fire" ceremony.
Thousands of police, assisted by volunteers, were to limit entry to pilgrims and pedestrians with permits, the Haaretz news agency said.
Orthodox Christians have been marking the "Holy Fire" ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as far back as 1106. It involves the church's Greek patriarch praying alone in the tomb of Jesus while the congregation outside chants. The patriarch emerges with an olive oil lamp he uses to light candles to be given to the faithful.
The patriarch is examined by Israeli authorities before entering the tomb to prove he has no means of lighting the lamp. Greek and Armenian Orthodox officials have argued in recent years over whether or not Armenian priests can enter the tomb with the Greek patriarch to observe.
The ceremony is broadcast annually in Greece, Russia and throughout the Orthodox world.
