The Church of St. Malachius is located in the ancient village of Mukawir, about 5 km east of Madaba, in an area that witnessed significant religious flourishing during the Byzantine era, particularly due to its proximity to the Mukawir fortress, which was associated with important religious events.

The church’s origins date back to the 6th century AD, while the mosaic inscriptions discovered within it indicate its flourishing during the first half of the 7th century. The name of Bishop Malachius appears in the dedication inscriptions, which gave the church its name and confirmed its place within the ecclesiastical hierarchy of Madaba at that time.

The church was built in the basilica style using limestone and consists of a main nave, two side aisles, a semicircular apse, and side rooms. Excavations have revealed the remains of mosaic floors bearing geometric and floral motifs, along with Greek inscriptions containing religious names such as Sergius and Gargos. Among the most notable discoveries at the site are a bronze cross and a stone altar base, reflecting the religious and artistic significance of the church.

The church was discovered in 1990 during excavations by the Department of Antiquities. In June 2024, it witnessed an exceptional event: the celebration of a Divine Liturgy for the first time in approximately 1400 years. The service was presided over by Metropolitan Christophoros, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This event revived the spiritual significance of the site after centuries of neglect.

Today, the church is considered a promising site within the religious tourism route in Madaba. A visit to it combines historical and spiritual value, especially given its proximity to Mount Machaerus. This tranquil experience allows visitors to explore one of the lesser-known yet most profound testaments to the history of Christianity in the region.