As photographer, -journalist it is imperative information be accurate images be respectful of subject and viewer, Ridvan Yumlu

Baptism Site

Christianity's third most holy site is set to be opened to the public in the near future—but at the present moment, it's surrounded by thousands of land mines. Qasr Al Yahud is recognized as one of the sites where Jesus got baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew, 3: 13-17). It is also referred to as the place where Eliyahu the prophet and where the Israelistes crossed the Jordan river to enter the land of Canaan.

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This baptism site is part of the pilgrimage route which starts in Jerusalem and Beit Lehem, and continues all the way to the Dead Sea. This route also includes “The good Samaritan” site and Qumran national park, where the Qumran scrolls were discovered, and where John the Baptist, and probably Christ, studied .

More photos of the Epiphany at the baptismal site known as Qasr el-Yahud are available at Flickr

The “lazy river” has been known as a religious sign which symbols the transfer from nomadic life to permanent settlement. Its isolation and mystical character have always attracted social leaders who challanged the official and religious rule. This was true for Eliyahu the prophet, his student Elisha, and John the Baptist.

Most of all, this baptism site is recognized as the place where John the baptist baptized Jesus. The New Testament mentions this event as the “spiritual birth” of Jesus, thus making it the third holiest site for christians in the Holy land.

The Jordan River is regarded as a holy place thanks to it being where Jesus baptized. During the 1980's a number of christian groups have re-started the baptizing tradition in the Jordan River. The ceremonies are traditionally held during two holidays: Easter and the Epiphany holiday.

Orthodox Christmas

As one might imagine, Christmas in Bethlehem, the city where Jesus was born, is a major event. Some of Bethlehem's Christmas celebrations would be familiar to Europeans and North Americans - the streets are strung with Christmas lights, there is a Christmas market and Christmas plays are performed.

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But other events, which are the most important religiously, are special to Bethlehem and in keeping with the traditions of the Holy Land. These consist of multiple services and processions led by many different Christian denominations, including Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian, Armenian and more.

Most Christmas processions pass through Manger Square, the plaza outside the Basilica of the Nativity, which stands on the traditional site of Jesus' birth. Catholic services take place in St. Catherine's Church and Protestants often hold services at the Shepherds' Fields.

More photographs about the Orthodox Christmas in Bethlehem are available at Flickr

Bethlehem Christmas celebrations stretch for a long period, as different denominations celebrate Christmas on different days. Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25; Greek, Syrian and other Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 6; and Armenian Christians celebrate Christmas on January 18. Below is a summary of the many services and events that take place in Bethlehem.

Protestant churches based in the Holy Land celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways. Some simply hold special Christmas services in their local churches, while others organize excursions for special services in the Shepherd's Fields or the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Roman Catholic services begin on December 24 and center around St. Catherine's Church, a Catholic church adjacent to the Orthodox Basilica of the Nativity. Services are also held on January 5 and 6 to celebrate Epiphany.

Orthodox Christians, including Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox and others, celebrate Christmas on January 6. Like Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christmas in Bethlehem consists of numerous processions and long services. Most Orthodox events take place at the Basilica of the Nativity.

Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 18. Most Armenian Christmas services center around the Basilica of the Nativity.

Armenian Christmas Part 1

Procession led by Armenian scouts and their band, advance the Patriarch into the Church of Nativity, while priests, seminarians and the faithful join in the sing of Armenian hymns.