Christians gathered in large number in Jerusalem for Easter Sunday to commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The pilgrims joined in worshipping, singing and praying in the holiest churches. Catholics and Protestants held ceremonies within the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The Church is believed to have been built on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried.

Clergymen in flowing white and gold robes celebrated Mass in the air thick with incense plumes. Italian Premier Mario Monti joined in the masses during his visit to Israel, as he shook hands with pilgrims and spoke to monks in the old city. Thousands of Palestinian Catholics smashed boiled egg shells against each other, representing Jesus’ emerging from his tomb. They ate circular bread symbolizing his crown of thorns and greeted each other.

Outside the ancient city’s walls, several hundred Protestants gathered in the Garden Tomb, where they believe Jesus was buried. They sat in a sunny, leafy green garden listening to a sermon and sung gospel music. In the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, Greek Orthodox Palestinian Christians celebrated Palm Sunday. They gathered into their tiny stone-built church, painted sky-blue and decorated with icons of Jesus, his mother Mary and others.