Aqaba, Jordan, December 16, 2025
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
A Divine Liturgy of great historical and spiritual significance was celebrated on Sunday, December 14, at the archaeological site of Aqaba in Jordan, marking the first such service in nearly 17 centuries.
The service was led by His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros of Kyriakoupolis of the Jeruslaem Patriarchate, accompanied by priests, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
According to Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology, the site was discovered in 1998 by archaeologists. The ancient church uncovered there is one of the oldest in the world, built between 293 and 303 according to archaeological estimates.
In his homily, Abp. Christophoros spoke of the sacred site of Aqaba as a living testimony to the early Christians who, through their blood and witness, contributed to establishing the Christian faith during the difficult years of persecution.
The Archbishop of Kyriakoupolis characterized the celebration of the Divine Liturgy as a day of joy for earth and Heaven. He also warmly thanked all those who contributed to highlighting the sacred site of Aqaba and the authorities who permitted the Liturgy to be celebrated.
This early Christian church is located within what were then the distant borders of the Roman Empire, which may have been one of the reasons it likely survived destruction during the Great Persecution between 303 and 313. During this period the church was abandoned, but it was later renovated and remained in operation until the earthquake of 363. The sand that filled the building after the earthquake helped preserve its walls, giving us today a fascinating glimpse into early Christian architecture.
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
This marks the second such celebration at an ancient church site in Jordan in recent years. In January 2024, the Liturgy was celebrated at a church site in Petra, Jordan, for the first time in 1,500 years.
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