Israel begins preparations for 2,000th anniversary of Baptism of Christ

Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem blesses the waters of the Jordan River. Photo: Jerusalem Patriarchate

Israel’s Foreign Ministry has begun preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Christ. Celebrations on the Jordan River are scheduled for 2030, The Times of Israel reports.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar appointed George Deek, Israel’s special envoy for relations with the Christian world, to lead the preparations. The task force will establish dialogue with Churches and clergy worldwide to organize an event of “profound spiritual significance” for two billion Christians around the globe. Government agencies are already coordinating efforts to receive pilgrims.

“Strengthening our relationship with the Christian world and ensuring that the Holy Land remains accessible to the millions of believers who wish to visit are among Israel’s highest priorities,” Gideon Sa’ar said. The official pledged that the country would guarantee freedom of worship and unrestricted access to holy sites for representatives of all faiths.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Israeli authorities unlawfully seized land belonging to the Jerusalem Patriarchate in Silwan.

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