Christians in Holy Land Pray on Easter Saturday Thousands of Christians have gathered in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher for Easter Saturday. It is a day of reflection and waiting for many Christians, who believe Jesus was crucified on Friday. They believe he rose from the dead on Sunday. Thousands marched through Jerusalem's cobbled old city in a procession led by guards in black costumes, followed by Franciscan monks in plain brown robes, clerics, and then believers. They congregated in the Holy Sepulcher for prayer. Many Christians believe the church stands on the site where Jesus was slain. Different Catholic and Protestant groups will take turns praying in the Holy Sepulcher. Eastern Orthodox churches and others who follow the older Julian calendar will mark Easter a week from now.