The ancient city of Petra witnessed the first mass in the ancient Byzantine church during the month of January of this year.

The church complex discovered in 1990 is a large, clear cathedral that indicates the civilization of the place at that time and confirms the presence of Christianity in Petra in the early stages.

The discoverer of this church was the Italian archaeologist Franco Ciorelli with his team excavating the Rosary City. Its construction dates back to the year 450 AD and was built on the ruins of Roman Nabataean ruins. There is a cohesive mosaic piece measuring 70 square meters in length on both ends of the structure, representing the four seasons and depicting the oceans.

Petra witnessed the first Divine Mass on Monday, January 22, 2024, when His Eminence Bishop Christoforos, the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Jordan, presided over the Divine Mass service in the ancient Roman Church of Petra for the first time after 1,500 years of the Roman-Byzantine era.

It was noteworthy that the venerable priest fathers participated and the presence of the nuns of the sisterhood of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, Fountain of Life - Dibbin, and the committees of church ladies from various governorates of the Kingdom, and a number of public and diplomatic figures also attended.

During his speech, the Bishop reviewed the Roman-Byzantine history in the Petra region, and how Christianity flourished in the Metropolitan City of Petra, where it was a center with seven bishops. He also referred to the monastic life that was widespread in Petra and its environs.

The church bears the name of the Blessed Lady and the Most Glorious Most Holy Virgin Mary. Two other churches were also uncovered, namely the Blue Church and the Ridge Church on the hillside. Petra Cathedral is located a few hundred meters from the Column Street and the Temple of the Winged Lions, and it constitutes an interesting archaeological site. It is expected to be a site of Christian pilgrimage.

According to historical information, the church was built in 450 AD. It contains in its center columns, distinctive mosaic floors, inscriptions in the Greek language, and an apse for the structure. It is considered one of the largest churches in the city of Petra. As for the outer part of it, “the catechumens,” it contains a large baptismal font and a water well surrounded by antique Roman columns.

According to the papyrus scroll manuscripts found in a cave adjacent to the church dating back to the sixth century AD, it was mentioned that the church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. It also explains that the church was built in the form of a basilica with two semi-circular side apses.

The visitor arrives at the complex of ancient churches through the visitor center, then heads towards the Siq and the Treasury, then begins walking towards the temple, which takes ten minutes and reaches the church.