Orthodox Christians across the world are celebrating Easter.
A major service has been held in one of Moscow's main cathedrals which was attended by thousands of visitors, including Russia's president.
Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill had this message.
"Let the warmth of this fire warm your hearts, your homes, your families and all our people."
The annual Holy Fire ceremony in Jerusalem is held on the eve of Easter.
The Patriarch of Orthodox Church in Jerusalem lights a few candles with the Holy Fire and seconds later the flame is rapidly spread throughout the church as worshipers light each other's candles. The fire is then passed on to the worshipers who are waiting outside.
Orthodox churches follow the older Julian calendar and celebrate Easter later than most other Christians.
In Greece a strongly Orthodox Christian country, things were not so calm with protests erupting over a ban on firing home-made rockets - an old Easter tradition in parts of Greece.
Egyptian Orthodox Copts also gathered in Cairo with many worshipers praying for peace and security in Egypt and across the region.
In Australia members of St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church came together ending a traditional 55-day fast where no animal products were consumed.
Father Mark Basily from the Church said it was one of the most significant days in the Orthodox calendar.
"It's a very significant feast in the Orthodox Church and the most important feast in the calendar of the Orthodox church because it marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Mary Nicola a parishioner at the church said for an immigrant community such as this which had faced difficulties in the Middle East in recent years, Easter on Australian soil had special significance.
"For us to be a community so far away from Egypt and to fill up three churches in one location is powerful"
John Nour from the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Sydney said behind the festivities Orthodox Easter had a very powerful message.
"Easter is about sacrifice and Easter is about loving each other and forgiving each other."
Orthodox Christians are predominantly found in Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia and parts of the Middle East with many of those communities also present in Australia.
