From The Nijasun News
Jordan has begun preparations for the historic commemoration of the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, with the government and Christian religious leaders coming together to plan the landmark event scheduled for 2030.
Jordanian Prime Minister, Jafar Hassan, on Monday, August 10, chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Committee for the Preparation of the Celebration of the Second Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
The event is expected to focus global attention on Al-Maghtas, the traditional site on the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptised by John the Baptist.
Hassan said preparations must begin immediately in accordance with directives from King Abdullah II, stressing that the anniversary represents an opportunity to highlight Jordan’s historical and religious significance as a major Christian pilgrimage destination.
According to him, the commemoration would also reinforce Jordan’s message of peace, coexistence, mutual respect, love and human fraternity.
The Jordanian government said it would mobilise available resources to ensure that the celebration is worthy of its international and religious significance.
Among the major projects under consideration are the development of an integrated village for Christian pilgrims and visitors, a museum dedicated to the Baptism of Jesus Christ, a green corridor and infrastructure upgrades around the baptism site.
The meeting also agreed on the need to establish specialised subcommittees comprising experts and specialists to supervise the various aspects of preparations.
The national committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, brings together senior government officials, Christian leaders and representatives of institutions connected with tourism and the Baptism Site.
Its membership includes the Ministers of Government Communication, Interior, Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and Tourism and Antiquities.
Christian representatives on the committee include Bishop Christophoros Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan; Archbishop Dr. Iyad Twal, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan; Archbishop Hossam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop; and Bishop Munib Younan, former Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The commemoration is expected to place Jordan at the centre of global Christian pilgrimage in 2030, while drawing renewed attention to the biblical significance of the Jordan River and the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism.
The development comes as Jordan seeks to strengthen its position as a major destination for religious tourism and Christian pilgrimage in the Middle East.
Source: Vatican News
Tags: #Jesus Christ #Jordan #Christian Pilgrimage #Baptism Of Jesus
