Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Every year a day before Orthodox Easter, Orthodox Christians around the world rejoice as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch in Jerusalem emerges from the Holy Sepulchre, where the tomb of Christ is, with 33 candles mysteriously lit in the tomb, bringing the message of the resurrection of the Lord to the world.

Tens of thousands of Orthodox Christians packed Jerusalem's ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Saturday for the "Holy Fire" ceremony on the eve of Orthodox Easter. According to believers, the divine fire from heaven miraculously lights candles held by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch each year. The annual rite held there dates back to the 4th century.

Huge crowds gathered at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to witness the miraculous descent of the Holy Fire, which occurs on the day before the Orthodox Easter.

The church is believed to be built on the the site where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

The Holy Fire, which is ignited every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, is to be brought to Bulgaria at 6.30 pm on Holy Saturday.

The official clergy delegation is headed by Plovdiv metropolitan bishop Nikolay, who was elected to deliver the Holy Fire by the Holy Synod again this year.