Israel on Saturday prevented some Orthodox Christians from attending the Holy Fire ceremony at Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Axar.az reports that Orthodox Christians, including priests, seeking to attend the ceremony flocked to the church -- one of the most sacred Christian sites in the world -- in East Jerusalem, but were blocked by police in the narrow streets leading to the church.

The Holy Fire ceremony symbolizes Jesus's resurrection.

Eyewitnesses said Israeli police erected barricades to block access, adding that some clergymen and a small number of Orthodox Christians were able to advance to the church.