In Jordan, Liturgy first celebrated in Christian church dated 3rd century

The Divine Liturgy in the early Christian church of the 3rd century at the archaeological site of Aqaba in Jordan. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On December 14, 2025, in Jordan, on the territory of the archaeological site of Aqaba, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated for the first time in nearly 17 centuries in an early Christian church. This was reported by the Orthodoxia News Agency.

The service, led by Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis, took place in the ancient 3rd-century church discovered by archaeologists in 1998. According to the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the church was built approximately between 293 and 303 AD and is among the earliest Christian churches in the world.

In his speech, Archbishop Christophoros emphasized that the holy site of Aqaba remains a living testimony of the faith of the first Christians, who strengthened the Church with their confession and martyrdom during times of persecution. He noted the spiritual significance of the return of liturgical life to this place after many centuries.

The hierarch called the celebration of the Liturgy a day of joy for "earth and heaven," thanking God for the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Jordan. The Archbishop also expressed gratitude to the country's authorities and all who contributed to the preservation and opening of the holy site.

The solemn opening of the archaeological site of Aqaba took place on the morning of December 15, 2025, in the presence of the Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, representing King Abdullah II, officials, and representatives of Christian denominations. The ceremony began with the performance of Byzantine hymns, which resounded within the ancient walls of the church.

Speaking at the opening, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities stated that it is not just an archaeological site but a part of Jordanian land where Christianity emerged as an element of the country's national identity. The Archdiocese of Kyriakoupolis emphasized that the opening of Aqaba officially introduces this holy site into the global religious, cultural, and tourist space.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a unique 3rd-century fresco with the image of Jesus Christ was discovered in Turkey.

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