Ajloun, Aug. 7 (Petra)– Rana Al-Nimrat — The Orthodox Church on
Friday marked the National Pilgrimage Day to the Mar Elias
archaeological site in Ajloun Governorate with a Divine Liturgy led
by Bishop Christophoros Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan,
on the occasion of the Feast of the Prophet Elijah the Tishbite.

The event was attended by a number of priests, as well as worshippers
and visitors from various parts of the Kingdom.

In his sermon, Bishop Atallah stressed the importance of following
the example of the Prophet Elijah, particularly his steadfastness in
faith, commitment to truth, and values of compassion and love. He
called for embracing virtue and confronting the intellectual and
spiritual challenges facing the contemporary world.

He highlighted the spiritual significance of Mar Elias as one of
Jordan’s religious and archaeological sites historically associated
with monastic life and worship, stressing the need to preserve the
country’s religious and spiritual heritage and strengthen younger
generations’ connection to it.

The bishop also recounted the story of the Prophet Elijah and the
widow of Zarephath, highlighting its lessons of obedience, trust in
God and repentance, and stressing that faith is a source of peace and
strength in people’s lives.

He urged worshippers to remain committed to faith and spiritual
values and to make love, tolerance and service to others a reflection
of their daily lives.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, Bishop Atallah prayed for the
protection of Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty King
Abdullah II, and for the Kingdom’s continued security and stability.
He also prayed for the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security
agencies.

The bishop praised the cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism and
Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board and the Embassy of Greece in
carrying out restoration works at the Mar Elias archaeological site.
He said a specialized team from Greece would resume restoration work
in coordination with the ministry.

He also expressed appreciation to the Consul of the Republic of
Cyprus and all parties supporting efforts to care for and preserve
the site.

//Petra// MF