JERICHO, January 18, 2016 (WAFA) – Palestinian Christians following the Julian calendar in Palestine Monday celebrated the feast of Epiphany in a ceremony presided by the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, which took place on the Jordan River.  

The ceremony, which commemorates the Baptism of Jesus, was attended by the Greek Orthodox community across Palestine in the presence of consuls and ambassadors of a number of countries, with a noticeable but forced absence of Palestinian officials.

Theophilos III prayed to witness peace and stability prevail in the land of peace and the entire region.

Governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley Majed Fityani praised the strength of the social fabric uniting Muslims and Christians in Palestine. He said the Palestinian people shall always remain united to enjoy freedom and end the occupation.

Palestinian officials were banned from attended the ceremony with the people, which is a blatant violation of the agreements signed with the Israeli side to ensure Palestinian official participation in the ceremony held on the Jordan river and under the Palestine flag, said Fityani. 

M.H