"Thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered on the eastern bank of the Jordan River on Friday for the annual Epiphany pilgrimage, which commemorates the Baptism of Christ.  Footage shows worshippers gathering at the riverbank, with some collecting the water. Pilgrims are seen observing the holy ritual of 'Blessing of the Waters', while others participate in hymn singing and religious ceremonies, led by the patriarch.  "This is the river that witnessed the event of salvation and the revelation of the Triune God. Here, Christ established baptism, through which man becomes an adopted child of God," explained Archimandrite Athanasius Qaqish, Deputy Archbishop of Jordan for the Greek Orthodox Church.  "[This is] an atmosphere full of familiarity, love, and comfort for coming to this baptism site," added worshipper Rumel Dahabra.  An estimated 7,000 visitors participated in the ceremony, making it one of the largest Christian spiritual gatherings in Jordan, according to the Jordanian Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Church.  The annual religious occasion takes place at the Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas) along the banks of the Jordan River, where Orthodox Christians mark the feast of the Theophany (Epiphany), and commemorate the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God.  The Al-Maghtas Site, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage location, is revered as one of Christianity's holiest places, believed to be where Jesus Christ was baptised by John the Baptist. "