Thousands of Christians gather for the Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Tel Aviv: According to Al Jazeera, thousands of Christians flocked to Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the centuries-old Holy Fire event. Traditionally, people crowded inside the basilica, which was constructed in the 12th century on the location where Jesus is said to have been crucified and buried, holding unlit candles.

The Greek patriarch entered the Holy Edicule and emerged with two lighted candles as the liturgy got underway in almost complete darkness. The rotunda was then filled with a warm glow of light as the flame was transferred from one candle to the next, according to Al Jazeera.

Later, on special flights, the flame was sent to Orthodox communities abroad.

Eastern Orthodox Christians consider the ritual, which has been performed for more than 1,200 years, to be a miracle.

While skeptics dating back to the Middle Ages have written it off as a popular carnival trick, Eastern Orthodox Christians believe the light magically arises within the Holy Edicule, which was constructed on the traditional location of Jesus’s burial. In any case, the ritual, which dates back at least 1,200 years, is impressive. It has also sparked worries about safety.

Approximately 400 pilgrims were killed in a rush in the packed cathedral during the Holy Fire ritual in 1834, mostly from asphyxia or trampling, according to Al Jazeera. During that period, the monarch barely survived.

Citing safety concerns, Israeli officials have restricted the ceremony’s attendance in previous years. Church leaders, however, have objected to this action, claiming that the authorities are upsetting the status quo, or established arrangements that regulate Jerusalem’s sacred sites.

There was a significant military presence on Saturday as thousands of worshipers entered via Israeli checkpoints.

Due to Israel’s 18-month assault on Gaza, several worshipers bemoaned the low attendance this year. The Holy Sepulchre’s key bearer, Adeeb Joude, said, “There are more police than pilgrims.”

During the 1967 Middle East War, Israel took control of East Jerusalem, including the Old City, which contains important sites that are considered holy by Muslims, Christians, and Jews. This annexation was not acknowledged by other countries. The capital of the future state that the Palestinians envision is East Jerusalem.