Thousands attend Holy Light ceremony in Jerusalem under tight Israeli security

Record ID: 1969820

  • Title: Thousands attend Holy Light ceremony in Jerusalem under tight Israeli security
  • Date: 19th April 2025
  • Summary: Thousands attend Holy Light ceremony in Jerusalem under tight Israeli security SHOTLIST JERUSALEM (APRIL 19, 2025) (ANADOLU -ACCESS ALL) 1. ISRAELI SECURITY OFFICERS STANDING ON STAIRS OUTSIDE EXIT OF CHURCH 2. VARIOUS OF CLERGYMEN, AND WORSHIPPERS , SOME CARRYING CROSSES WALKING TOWARD THE HOLY SEPULCHRE CHURCH, PASSING THROUGH NARROWS ALLEY 3. ISRAELI SECURITY OFFICERS STANDING GUARD BEHIND BARRIERS OUTSIDE CHURCH 4. ISREALI OFFICERS DRIVING WOMAN AND MAN AWAY 5. VARIOUS OF CROWD STREAMING THROUGH NARROW ALLEY IN OLD TOWN, SOME CARRYING CROSSES, SINGING RELIGIOUS SONGS 6. TIGHT SHOT OF ISRAELI OFFICERS STANDING GUARD 7. CROWD AT CHURCH YAR, SOME SITTING ON SHOULDERS OF MEN, CARRYING CROSSES, CHANTING SLOGANS 8. MAN SITTING ON SHOULDERD OF WORSHIPPER AMONG CROWD, BEATING GOBLET DRUM, OTHER CHANTING SLOGANS 9. VARIOUS TOP SHOTS OF CROWD AROUND AEDICULE (JESUS' TOMB) IN THE HOLY SEPULCHRE CHURCH (2 SHOTS) 10. CROWD AROUND TOMB HOLDING TORCHES 11. TIGHT SHOT OF MEN IGNITING TORCHES 12. TOP SHOT OF CROWD AROUND TOMB, SOME IGNITING THEIR TORCHES FROM HOLY LIGHT 13. VARIOUS OF CROWD IN CHURCH, MANY CARRYING TORCHES AND CANDLES / AUDIO OF CHURCH BELLS 14. ISRAELI OFFICERS REMOCING METAL BARRIERS IN CHURCH 15. VARIOUS OF CROWD IN CHURCH, MANY HOLDING TORCHES AND CANDLES 16. VARIOUS OF WORSHIPPERS LEAVING CHURCH SCRIPT: Thousands of Christian worshippers gathered in Jerusalem’s Old City on Saturday, Apr. 19, for the Orthodox Holy Light ceremony, a centuries-old ritual marking Jesus' resurrection, while Israeli police imposed strict security measures around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The ceremony, held before Orthodox Easter, saw pilgrims lighting candles from a flame believed to miraculously ignite within Jesus’ tomb. Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III distributed the Holy Fire to the faithful, who then shared the light throughout the crowded church and surrounding streets. However, access to the site was restricted, with Israeli authorities setting up checkpoints and checking IDs, according to Palestinian reports. Many young worshippers were denied entry. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered as Jesus’ burial site, remained a focal point despite the restrictions. Devotees carrying candles filled the Old City’s narrow alleys, determined to participate in the sacred event. The ritual, beginning with the sealing of Christ’s tomb, culminates in the Patriarch emerging with a flame said to ignite spontaneously. Worshippers describe it as a divine sign, with many claiming the fire initially burns without heat. As the light spread, chants of “Christ is Risen!” echoed through the church, symbolizing spiritual renewal for Orthodox Christians worldwide. Writing by Sibel Uygun
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords:
  • Location: No-Data-Available
  • Topics: Current or spot news
  • Reuters ID: OWANACAAVIDEO2025041937680803
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:
  • Copyright Holder: Anadolu Agency
  • Copyright Notice: This asset – including all text, audio and imagery – is provided by a third party. Screenocean has not verified or endorsed the material, which is being made available to professional media customers to facilitate the free flow of global news and information.
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Broadcasters: NONE Digital: NONE . For Reuters customers only.
Register