Byzantine Church in Petra holds first Epiphany prayer in 1,400 years

AMMAN — The Epiphany prayer was held on Saturday at the Byzantine Church in Petra for the first time in over 1,400 years as a step by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) for adding Petra to the Christian pilgrimage map and targeting new tourist markets. 

President of PDTRA Fares Braizat stated that the Epiphany prayer in Petra marks the beginning of adding Petra to the Christian pilgrimage map in Jordan. This comes after the recognition of five existing sites: Mount Nebo, Mukawir in Madaba, Al Maghtas (Baptism Site), Lady of the Mountain and Mar Elias in Ajloun, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Braizat added that the PDTRA aims to qualify ten recognised churches in Petra to be part of the Christian pilgrimage route in Jordan, connecting them with the Ayla Church in Aqaba to create a new tourist product. This initiative aims to extend visitors’ stay in Petra and attract more Christian pilgrims to the Kingdom in general and Petra in particular.

Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso said that Petra have churches dating back to the Byzantine era, encouraging their addition to the Christian pilgrimage map. 

He also said that Petra could become a destination for many religiously motivated tourists.