The key-holder to Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre arrived on Saturday (April 11) to unlock the doors to the sacred site ahead of the ceremony of the Holy Fire.

The Holy Fire ceremony symbolizing Jesus' resurrection is one of the most colourful spectacles of the Easter season, usually attended by many Orthodox Christian pilgrims

The Holy Fire ceremony typically draws tens of thousands of worshippers to an imposing grey edicule in the Holy Sepulchre that is believed to contain the tomb where Jesus lay two thousand years ago.

The Holy Sepulchre lies at the heart of the Old City's Christian Quarter in East Jerusalem.

Israel annexed East Jerusalem, which includes the walled Old City and its holy sites, after 1967 Middle East War in a move not recognised internationally. It sees Jerusalem as its eternal and undivided capital.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

JERUSALEM (APRIL 11, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. ADEEB JOUDEH AL HUSSEINI, CUSTODIAN OF THE KEY OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE CHURCH, AND WAJEEH NUSEIBEH WHO IS IN CHARGE OF LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE CHURCH DOORS /WAJEEH NUSEIBEH AND PRIEST CARRYING THE KEY OF THE CHURCH AND WALKING TOWARD THE CHURCH OF HOLY SEPULCHRE

2. NUSEIBEH STANDING ON LADDER UNLOCKING THE CHURCH DOOR / DOORS TO CHURCH OPEN, PEOPLE WALK IN