On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the official delegation of the Armenian Patriarchate, led by His Grace Archbishop Sevan Gharibian, Grand Sacristan, and accompanied by members of the Brotherhood, visited Jericho, one of the world’s most ancient cities.
Within the framework of the visit, the delegation met with the Governor of Jericho, His Excellency Mr. Hussein Hamayel. His Grace the Archbishop and the clergy were warmly received by the staff of the Jericho Governorate and were invited to an official meeting. In his welcoming remarks, the Governor highly praised the visit of the Armenian Patriarchate’s delegation, underscoring its importance in strengthening inter-ecclesiastical and communal relations, and extended his congratulations on the Feast of the Armenian Holy Nativity.
In response, His Grace Archbishop Sevan Gharibian expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm reception and generous hospitality, emphasizing the significance of such encounters in preserving the Christian presence in the region and promoting peaceful coexistence. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties exchanged farewells, reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation.
Following the meeting, the delegation led by His Grace was joined by seminarians and pilgrims, and together they proceeded to the Jordan River, where the annual solemn Blessing of the Waters (Theophany) ceremony took place. This sacred rite is among the most significant Christian ceremonies of the Armenian Apostolic Church and holds particular importance for both the local Armenian community and visiting pilgrims.
From the Jordanian side, the riverbank was attended by the Primate of the Armenians of Jordan and Patriarchal Vicar, the Very Reverend Fr. Avetis Archimandrite Ipradjian, together with the faithful of his community. The ceremony evolved into a collective prayer experience, imbued with moments of profound spiritual renewal.
The organization of such pilgrimages and Christian rites by the Armenian Patriarchate plays a vital role in preserving the spiritual life of the Armenian community in the Holy Land, strengthening national identity, and ensuring the continuity of faith across generations. The Patriarchate’s consistent efforts also contribute to safeguarding the centuries-old presence and historic rights of the Armenian people in the Holy Places.
Photos: Shmulik Cohen
Source: Official website of the Brotherhood of Sts. James, Jerusalem
