Worshippers packed the 12th-century basilica, built on the traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial, to witness the Greek patriarch emerge from the Holy Edicule with the sacred flame.
The light, believed by Eastern Orthodox Christians to appear miraculously, was passed from candle to candle and carried on special flights to Orthodox communities worldwide.
Heavy Israeli security controlled the crowds amid ongoing tensions in the region. Turnout was lower this year, as conflict and restrictions weighed heavily on all communities in the city.
