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3 clusters · 8 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

Israel-Jordan preparations for Jesus' baptism anniversary

Overview

Israel and Jordan have initiated coordinated preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus, scheduled for 2030. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a working group led by Ambassador George Deek to manage the expected influx of millions of Christian pilgrims to Jordan River sites such as Qasr el-Yahud and Al-Maghtas.

In Jordan, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired the first meeting of the National Committee for the Preparations of the Second Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Following directives from King Abdullah II, the committee is planning significant infrastructure developments at the Al-Maghtas UNESCO World Heritage site, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan. On August 12, Prime Minister Hassan signed agreements to begin developing lands adjacent to the site. These planned projects, totaling $120 million, include the construction of a museum dedicated to the baptism, a visitor and pilgrim village, ecological walking trails, and a green corridor.

On August 13, 2026, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, presided over by Patriarch Theophilos, met to discuss preparations for the 2030 anniversary. The Synod acknowledged the support of the King of Jordan for the event and addressed the management of holy sites and the protection of shrines. Amidst regional instability in the Middle East, the Synod discussed challenges facing pilgrims and proposed the establishment of an International Orthodox University at the site of the baptism.

Entities

Jordan · King Abdullah II · Jafar Hassan · UNESCO · Al-Maghtas

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Patriarchate of Jerusalem prepares for 2,000th anniversary of Christ's Baptism

    The Patriarchate of Jerusalem is preparing for the 2,000th anniversary of Christ's Baptism in Jordan in 2030, while addressing regional stability and the management of holy sites.

  2. 8 days ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Jordan begins preparations for 2000th anniversary of Jesus' baptism

    Jordan has formed a national committee to prepare for the 2030 jubilee marking the 2000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus at the Al-Maghtas site.

  3. 23 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Israel prepares for 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' baptism in 2030

    Israel's foreign ministry created a task force led by George Deek to ready the country for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' baptism in 2030, expecting millions of Christian pilgrims and coordinating with Jord​

Sources

chrystus.co.pl · dorzeczy.pl · fimotro.gr · lahdenopisto.fi · misyjne.pl · moj.powiat.pl · orthodoxianewsagency.gr · worldcatholicnews.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history