Jordan to invest $100 mln in pilgrimage project dedicated to Baptism of Christ
Artistic depiction of the proposed pilgrimage village in Jordan. Photo: MK Associates
On November 27, 2025, it became known that Jordanian authorities are developing a major initiative for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, planning to build an authentic 1st-century village near the Baptism site at Bethabara beyond the Jordan, Christian Daily International reports.
The preparations are tied to a series of significant dates in Christian history that will be commemorated in the coming years, culminating in 2033. The first of these milestones will be the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s Baptism, which Jordan intends to mark at the national level.
According to the publication, the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Court are working on a detailed program of events. The authorities anticipate cooperation with Christian organizations and international religious leaders to attract pilgrims from around the world.
Jordanian officials note that expanding infrastructure and creating the new pilgrimage zone are intended to support the tourism sector, which has suffered greatly from the pandemic and regional conflicts. It is expected that the anniversary of Christ’s Baptism will give the industry new momentum.
The Baptism Site, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, receives pilgrims from various Christian traditions every year. Jordan hopes that the upcoming celebrations will increase global interest in Bethabara beyond the Jordan and underscore the country’s commitment to preserving Christian holy sites and fostering interreligious coexistence.
“The Baptism Site is a cornerstone of Christian heritage, and Jordan is honored to safeguard it. This celebration is a reaffirmation of Jordan’s role as a trusted home for sacred Christian history,” Senator Michael Nazzal, chair of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the Jordanian Senate said.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Estonia, a businessman will restore a ruined 19th-century Orthodox church.
Read also
Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders
Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.
Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling
Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.
Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.
OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna
In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.
His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit
At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.