The Holy Fire ceremony was marked on Saturday in the Old City of Jerusalem as approximately 10,000 Christian worshipers from around the world gathered to participate in the annual tradition.

Held by the Eastern Churches, the ceremony occurs during the week of Easter Sunday, known as the "Holy Week."

Beginning at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a flame is carried by emissaries onward to Nazareth, Bethlehem, and other Israeli cities before moving on to cities across the globe.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion extended his blessing to the Jerusalem Christian community. "After a challenging period in the country, we have returned to routine, including the sacred ceremonies of the three religions living side by side in the city," said Lion.

"Jerusalem will continue to be a beacon of tolerance for Christians, Jews, and Muslims,” he added.

Jerusalem's Municipality had worked with the Tourism and Interior Ministries to prepare for the event, which included installing numerous screens throughout the Old City to broadcast the ceremony for those unable to enter the church itself due to capacity limitations.