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.
Read also
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.
DESS official says state should not govern the Church
A DESS official called for cooperation between the state and the Church for the benefit of citizens.
Poltava court upholds mobilization of Protestant pastor
A court in the Poltava region ruled that a prior criminal conviction and religious beliefs do not exempt a person from military service.
Ostapenko: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would not exist without Soviet-era reserve
The reserve director spoke about the Soviet museum’s role in saving the monastery, while stressing the need to rethink its history.