The event, the highlight of the Eastern Christian calendar, was attended by pilgrims from around the world — predominantly Eastern Europe — as well as Arab Israelis, all carrying unlit candles. The faithful swiftly passed the light on from candle to candle as it emerged from the church, Agence France-Presse reported.
The flame will then be flown out to all other Orthodox Christian countries.
Believers hold that a divine fire from heaven ignites candles held by the Greek Orthodox patriarch, in an annual rite dating back to the 4th century AD symbolizing the resurrection of Christ.
The Holy Sepulchre church is built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
Non-Orthodox Christians this year celebrated Easter a week earlier.
