Baptism Site, May 18 (Petra) His Majesty King Abdullah II
inaugurated the Baptism Site International Orthodox University (BIO
Uni) on Monday, at the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond
the Jordan), and directed the government to adopt and support the
initiative to commemorate two thousand years since the baptism of
Jesus Christ in 2030, which was put forward by the Council of Church
Leaders in Jordan.

During a meeting with Christian religious leaders from Jordan and
Palestine at the Baptism Site attended by His Royal Highness Prince
Ghazi bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and
cultural affairs and personal envoy the King highlighted the need for
the 2030 initiative’s action plan to focus on improving
infrastructure and operational services at the Baptism Site.

His Majesty said he will be following up closely on progress in
implementation of the action plan for the 2030 initiative. The Royal
directive is in line with the King’s efforts to safeguard holy sites
and preserve the Christian presence in the region, while serving to
reaffirm Jordan’s status as home to some of the most important
Christian sites and holy places in the region and the world.

For his part, Greek Orthodox Archbishop and Head of the Council of
Church Leaders Archbishop Christophoros Atallah praised His Majesty’s
support for the 2030 initiative, highlighting the importance of
developing programmes and strategic plans in coordination with the
Council of Church Leaders in Jordan.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa,
noted that the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in
2030 is not merely a historical occasion, but an opportunity to
reaffirm the values of unity, harmony, and mutual understanding.

He also expressed his gratitude to the King for his support for the
initiative and his commitment to promoting the values of dialogue and
peace, noting that these efforts are aligned with the Hashemite
Custodianship over Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

For his part, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the
Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East Hosam Naoum said
the 2030 initiative focuses on local preparations by preparing the
site, developing infrastructure and services, and training staff to
welcome pilgrims and visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad.

He added that the initiative would also involve working with churches
and Christian organisations around the world, particularly in the
West, to encourage participation in the commemoration of the baptism
at its place of origin, which has both spiritual and global
historical significance.

The 2030 initiative to commemorate two thousand years since the
baptism of Jesus Christ focuses on a number of strategic objectives,
which include the narrative and religious events associated with the
occasion, the development of Christian pilgrimage tourism products,
the promotion of the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ (Bethany Beyond the
Jordan) and other religious tourism sites at regional and global
levels, and the development of infrastructure and the upgrading of
operational services at the Baptism Site and other religious and
tourist sites in Jordan.

During BIO University’s inauguration, His Majesty underscored the
importance of this university in reinforcing the symbolic
significance of the site where Jesus was baptised, and in building on
the Kingdom’s role as a model of moderation and inter-faith harmony.

The King toured the facilities at BIO University, which is a
non-profit institution established by the Orthodox Patriarchate of
Jerusalem, and has a capacity of 40 residents, as well as an option
for distance learning, and is scheduled to begin admitting students
in September.

During the inauguration, Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City
of Jerusalem and All Palestine and Jordan, spoke of the significance
of establishing this university, and its aspiration to welcome
students from Jordan, the region, and the world.

He also noted that Jordan stands as a beacon of hope for Christians
in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of the Hashemite
Custodianship’s role in preserving the region’s cultural,
civilisational, and religious fabric.

David Alexei, grandson of Mark Voloshin, the donor who funded the
university’s establishment, said the vision for this university has
become a reality thanks to His Majesty’s support, noting that it is a
beacon of faith, learning, and harmony for future generations.

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad and Princess Miriam
Ghazi, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Director of the Office of His
Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Planning Minister Zeina Toukan, Tourism
Minister Imad Hijazin, heads of churches in Jordan and Palestine, and
a number of senior officials and officers, as well as representatives
from the private sector attended the university’s inauguration.

//Petra// AK