For Catholics, the feast of Epiphany recalls the visit of the Wise Men at Bethlehem, and other Biblical manifestations of Jesus. The Magi followed a star to the Nativity Cave, where they found Baby Jesus and presented him with gifts.

Highlights of the feast
Bethlehem*: Church of the Nativity - On the 5th, a Solemn Entry (procession) into Bethlehem to Manger Square. On the 6th - a morning Mass, followed by a procession - a “visitation” (imitating the Magi’s visitation) to the Grotto of the Nativity.

Related sites worth visiting:
Herodion - the palace / fortress and tomb of Herod the Great.
Shepherds’ Field - The sanctuary of the “Gloria in Excelsis” in Bet-Sahur*.
The Milk Grotto in Bethlehem*.

*Under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority.
Visiting the site/s may require special arrangements, including coordination for transportation and guides.

Joint prayers are a call of unity among all Christians in the Holy Land.

Highlights of the festivity
On each day of the week, Christians belonging to the various Christian communities congregate in a church of a different denomination and pray together. Every year, the Christian Information Center publishes a list of participating churches.

Related sites worth visiting:
The “Living Stones” - The centers of the local Christian communities, (e.g., the Greek Catholic Patriarchate, which hosts the final evening of prayer).

For the Eastern churches, this feast denotes Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River.
Theologically, it is Jesus’ first revelation as the Son of God and the revelation of the Holy Trinity.

Highlights of the feast
The baptismal site of Qasr el-Yahud on the Jordan River, east of Jericho -

Morning of the 18th - A procession of clergy and pilgrims (O) travels down to the river bank. The baptism celebrations are held on the bank of the Jordan River. By submerging a cross in the river, the Patriarch purifies and consecrates the water, which is then sprinkled on crowds of the faithful.

In the afternoon the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates the Baptism in the site. Morning of the 19th - The Baptismal celebrations of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Syrian Orthodox Church are held on the bank of the Jordan River.

Related sites worth visiting:

• Mount of Temptation and Qarantal Monastery above Jericho*.
• Monastery of St. Gerasimos, in the “Desert of the Jordan” - a station on the pilgrims’ route to the Jordan.
• Qumran - site of the Dead Sea Scrolls.