Epiphany marked with gaiety at Baptism Site

BAPTISM SITE — The chimes of church bells and unusually warm weather formed a fitting backdrop as thousands of faithful converged on the Baptism Site to celebrate Epiphany on Friday.

Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus Christ as the son of God through his Baptism and the beginning of his public ministry, according to Christian beliefs.

During a press conference prior to the mass, Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa hailed His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts to safeguard Jerusalem in his role as the Custodian of Muslim and Christian shrines in the holy city thanking the King for his support for Christians in Jordan and Palestine.

The archbishop reiterated the church’s view on Jerusalem as “mother of all” stressing the need for Palestinians and Israelis to reach an agreement without unilateral measures.

Also during the press meet, Tourism Minister Lina Annab conveyed Prime Minister Hani Mulki’s greetings to the pilgrims.

Lead by scouts and guides band, a procession of clergy slowly advanced to the Church of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, where, according to official figures, over 6,000 people assembled to mark the religious feast.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa celebrated the mass attended by Annab and senior officials. Hymns and incense permeated the air as the service progressed with the epiphany ceremony of sprinkling water and prayers for Jordan and its leadership. 

‘A blessed day’

As the mass continued in the packed church, many were left outside waiting patiently to visit the bank of the Jordan River. 

For Najham Masadeh, who came to the ceremony with family members from Karak, the solemn occasion was a time “to say a prayer for our security forces who keep our country safe”.

Visiting the site for the first time, German Mideast studies student Liana, studying Arabic in Jordan, said “the gracious occasion was half spiritual and half educational” for her.

“It’s a joyful and blessed day” for Filipino Sharon Sto Domingo and her friends working in Jordan. “We will go to the river and take water home in bottles, and also take photos for our family members back home.”

Armenian Jordanian Hagop Adranik said the occasion was a chance “to recharge spiritually” while his daughter Elisa was “proud” to see thousands from all over the world visiting the Kingdom and its holy sites.

Hailing from Iraq, Massoud Matti Yaku said though the ceremonies and rituals were almost the same back home, the safety and security of the Kingdom makes it a “stand out”.

During the ceremony, scouts and guides were available to lend a helping hand to pilgrims. “We had a nice day and we assisted a lot of pilgrims,” guide Maya Gassan said. The group is our second family, and it boosts our confidence,” the 12-year-old girl said.

Speaking to The Jordan Times after the event, Minister Annab commended the “huge turnout for the marvellous occasion”.

“The celebration at the site is gaining prominence as one of Christianity’s most important sites in the world. As the Kingdom is an amalgam of Muslims and Christians living together, it’s normal for us to celebrate each other’s occasions. But it sends a message to the world that Jordan is not only a place of interfaith harmony, but also a safe refuge to guests who fled difficulties in their home countries.” 

Director General of the Catholic Centre for Studies and Media Father Rifat Bader noted that this year’s Epiphany celebration was “special” as His Majesty had met with church leaders at the Baptism Site a few weeks earlier.

“We prayed for the preservation of the status quo in Jerusalem and for the Hashemite Custodianship of the holy city,” Bader said after the mass.

Bader commended the “unique” Jordanian tradition of marking the feast.

“Since 2000, we have been celebrating the Epiphany here at the site. Every second Friday in January is allocated for the Catholic churches and third Friday for the Orthodox churches. [Though departing from the church calendar], we need a Friday,  so that people can enjoy the occasion.”

Bader also had a word of thanks for the support of government and security forces.

“Without brotherhood and security prevailing in Jordan this would not have happened.”