The Baptism Site on the Jordan River, just north of the point where the Jordan flows into the Dead Sea, is the third holiest site in the Christian world, and is identified primarily as the place where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Near the Baptism Site is the Monastery of John the Baptist, also known as "Qasr el Yahud" (the Palace of the Jews). As in previous years, on January 11, 2011, thousands of pilgrims will come to the Baptism Site and the Monastery from all over the world, to celebrate the Epiphany at the lowest spot in the world.
Each year, baptism ceremonies – the Epiphany – take place near the Dead Sea, with the participation of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. These ceremonies are held on two main dates: at Easter and at the Feast of the Epiphany.
The New Testament describes His baptism as Christ's "spiritual birth," and the Jordan River received its sanctity mainly through this act of purification in its waters: Christ's baptism was one of the most important events of His life, and baptism is still today one of the Church's most important sacraments.
The religious importance ascribed by Christians to the Jordan River has made it one of the most holy rivers in the world. Even today, medicinal and supernatural qualities are attributed to the Jordan waters. Many pilgrims come to Israel from Europe to immerse themselves in the Jordan River, and to fill bottles with the holy water, which they take home with them in order to sanctify their fields and vineyards.
This year, the Feast of the Epiphany will take place on Tuesday, January 11, 2011.
