Christians light candles ahead of Easter

Ahead of the most important day in the Christian calendar, thousands flocked to the ancient church believed to have been built on the site of Jesus crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepluchre, they lit candles to honor the Holy Fire --- a miracle believed to have taken place the day before Jesus' resurrection. The candles are supposed to represent spreading the light of Jesus Christ far and wide.

Worshippers also gathered in the West Bank town of Bethlehem for a candlelight mass on the eve of Easter Sunday.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters