Baptism (baptismus in Latin) is the ritual that brings the believers into the heart of the Christian church. This ritual relates to the story of the baptism of Jesus. Through baptism the baptized person is born again, for after the biological birth of man until his baptism, his soul is still dead, because of the original sin staining all of humanity.

Baptism prepares the believer to receive the divine grace. The baptism of the body symbolizes the ringing of a possessed soul sin, or rather the sinful body, and symbolizes her rebirth (pulling from the water) of a pure and clean soul.

 “It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.  Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  (Mark 1:9-11)

Baptism is a symbolic ritual - the biblical way - to declare your faith in Jesus and your commitment to follow Him as His disciple. The act of immersion in water illustrates the fact that we are buried with Messiah. The act of coming out of the water illustrates the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death. The act of baptism is a very symbolic ceremony that constitutes a public declaration of our faith in Jesus.

The Baptism Site

A staircase descends to the Jordan River and brings the pilgrims to one of the most sacred places in Christianity. Here the pilgrims are given the opportunity to follow Jesus and be baptized in Jordan, exactly where, according to tradition, John the Baptist baptized him.

When it was under Jordanian rule, until 1967, many pilgrims and tourists visited the baptismal site. In the 1980s, following a request from the Greek Patriarchate to the Civil Administration in the Judea and Samaria region, the Greek Orthodox community renewed the tradition of ceremonies at the site and more testimonies followed. The ceremonies are held on two main dates: Easter (April) and Epiphany on January 18-19.

An observation deck overlooking the baptismal site and the eastern bank of the river (in the Jordan area, where baptism ceremonies are also held) has been prepared at the baptism site.

The Power of Holy Water

Holy Water is used mainly in the sacrament of baptism which includes holy water being poured on the recipient’s head.

The waters of the Jordan River are sanctified, and together with them all the waters of creation.  Water is given power to cleanse not only the body, but also man’s soul, and to regenerate man into a new life through Baptism. The water is sanctified and through them the whole world, in preparation for renewal and renewal for the eternal kingdom of God to come.

Holy water from the Jordan River is revered by Christians as the greatest grace bestowed by God himself.

The rite of baptism cleanses the soul and body and brings grace.

Holy water may be used in consecration and purification of the home and sprinkling with holy water is recommended before a dangerous or a long journey.

The water collected at the baptismal site of Jesus in the Jordan River requires reverence and careful storage.

“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."(John 3:5)

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