Hundreds of Christians joined a Maundy Thursday church service of prayer and liturgy staged in a part of Jerusalem where some believers think the Last Supper wa

Those making a pilgrimage to Israel from various countries around the world joined local Franciscan clergy by packing into the Cenacle - or Upper Room - to remember the final meal Jesus ate with the Twelve Disciples prior to his Crucifixion.

Franciscans made a traditional pilgrimage on Maundy Thursday from St Saviour's Church in Jerusalem to the Cenacle, ahead of a Washing of the Feet service in a Upper Room - thought by some to be the place where the Last Supper was held. pic.twitter.com/iOe8hxyikd

— Alex Williams (@AlexWpremier) March 29, 2018

Several children from the parish were selected to have their feet washed by Catholic leaders during the ceremony, offering a visual illustration of accounts in the Gospels detailing how Jesus ministered to his closest followers shortly before his death - and how He urged the disciples to love one another.

Outside the Cenacle, people jostled to an opportunity to enter, while workers posted at the doors enacted a strict one-person-in-one-person-out policy to prevent those inside from becoming squashed.

'Eat this bread, drink this wine...' Christian pilgrims from around the world sing together in English a well-known hymn during a Maundy Thursday service in the Cenacle - or Upper Room - in Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/1jqFOPGgVq

— Alex Williams (@AlexWpremier) March 31, 2018

The ceremony, which has become an annual tradition, was proceeded by a procession through the Old City of Jerusalem that started at the monastery where many local Franciscans are based, the Monastery of St Saviour.

Part of the King David's Tomb compound, which is open to visitors seven days-per-week, the Cenacle is currently under Jewish jurisdiction and the yearly Maundy Thursday church service is one of only a few Christian ceremonies held inside.

Two broadcasters enjoying some fresh air and sunshine by the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem yesterday before following a Maundy Thursday pilgrimage by Franciscan priests to the Cenacle, or Upper Room. pic.twitter.com/vbcUGE8wEk

— Alex Williams (@AlexWpremier) March 30, 2018

Premier's Inspirational Breakfast presenter John Pantry and Premier journalist Alex Williams are broadcasting a special series of Inspiration Breakfast programmes from Jerusalem during the Easter period which you can listen to on Premier Christian Radio.

You can also re-visit this part of the Premier website to see their updates.

Pictures kindly supplied by the Christian Media Center.