AMMAN — The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), also known as Al Maghtas, is scheduled to host the annual Christian pilgrimage prayer next Friday at 12:00 noon, with wide participation and extensive local and international media coverage.

 

The event comes as part of efforts to highlight Jordan’s spiritual and civilisational significance and to shed light on the Baptism Site as one of the world’s most important religious landmarks, given its profound historical and religious symbolism, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The prayer service will begin on the banks of the Jordan River.

 

Organisers said in a statement that media coverage plays a vital role in conveying Jordan’s message of peace and coexistence to the region and the world, and in showcasing the Kingdom’s image as a hub of religious and humanitarian convergence.

 

The organising body invited media outlets wishing to participate to confirm their attendance and contact the Media Centre of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate to complete the necessary arrangements.

 

The archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river, according to UNESCO website.

 

Situated in a pristine natural environment, the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptised by John the Baptist.

 

It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place. The site is a Christian place of pilgrimage, UNESCO added.