(UPD) The thousands of gathered pilgrims erupted into cheers of joy when Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theofillos III of Jerusalem exited the Holy Sepulchre at approximately 2.30 pm, Saturday. The Holy Light was swiftly shared among the elated faithful around an in the Church courtyard. The Holy Light is scheduled to arrive in Athens at 6 pm. It will travel to all Orthodox Christian nations across the world for Sunday’s Easter celebrations. ‘Olympic Air’ and ‘Aegean’ flights will take the Holy Light to the islands of Greece once the plane from Jerusalem lands in Athens.

Watch live the coverage of the ceremony of the lighting of Holy Light for Orthodox Christian Easter from Jerusalem. Thousands of pilgrims have gathered around the Church courtyard of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to witness the lighting of the holy flame by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the city, Theofillos III. Most of the faithful have been patiently waiting since 5 am in the morning outside the main gates of the temple until it opens. Protothema.gr is covering the ceremony live. A Greek delegation including members of the government and clergy have departed for Jerusalem. The Holy Light is scheduled to arrive in Athens at 6pm in the evening.