AMMAN, Aug. 15 (Petra) -- Metropolitan Christophoros Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan and Head of the Council of Church Heads in the Kingdom, stated that commemorating the second millennial anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River in 2030 transcends a fleeting occasion or a multi-day celebration, serving instead as a profound global ecclesiastical, spiritual, and historical event, and a definitive message from Jordan to the world.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Atallah emphasized that the occasion represents a profound historical responsibility, message, and opportunity for the global Christian community to direct its gaze once more toward Jordan--the land that witnessed this salvific event-- and to gain a deeper understanding of its vibrant and deeply rooted Christian heritage dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity.

He underscored that the ambition extends far beyond the year 2030, envisioning the milestone as the launchpad for a long-term, sustainable pathway that cements Jordan's standing on the global Christian pilgrimage map and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Atallah noted that the initiative to commemorate the bimillennium originated within Jordan and the Kingdom's Council of Church Heads, receiving continuous attention and backing from His Majesty King Abdullah II, who directed the government to adopt the initiative and prepare for it in a manner befitting the magnitude of the event and the sanctity of the Baptism Site.

He highly commended this royal patronage, while also praising the efforts led by Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan, the high-level national committee, and various state institutions, describing the ongoing preparations as an integrated national endeavor uniting the state, churches, and relevant bodies.

Atallah highlighted that this partnership sends a powerful message to the international community regarding Jordan’s unique model of cooperation, coexistence, and the preservation of religious and human heritage. He noted that the implementation work currently underway--including agreements to develop lands adjacent to the Baptism Site, establish a museum and pilgrim village, expand infrastructure, and construct a green corridor--represents critical steps toward building a comprehensive ecosystem to welcome pilgrims and visitors.

He stressed that the core priority for the Church is keeping the pilgrim and the spiritual dimension at the heart of the development process, emphasizing that the site should not be treated merely as a conventional tourist destination, but rather as a sacred space where believers come to pray, contemplate, and draw closer to the evangelical narrative.

Furthermore, Atallah underscored the necessity of balanced development that ensures pilgrims receive optimal services while preserving the site's spiritual ethos, sanctity, and natural surroundings, enabling every visitor to experience the genuine essence of the Baptism land.

He affirmed that the Orthodox Church is an active partner in the project, noting its engagement extends beyond the 2030 festivities through sustained spiritual, pastoral, cultural, and media outreach, preparing clergy and youth, and strengthening ties with Orthodox and Christian communities worldwide.

The Church, he added, is formulating a comprehensive vision for the coming years to introduce global Christian communities to Jordan’s holy sites, encourage pilgrimage, and transform the commemoration into a participatory project involving the Church's institutions, congregations, and faithful.

Atallah pointed out that Jordan possesses an exceptional wealth of biblical and ecclesiastical sites, noting that the challenge lies in presenting these locations through a cohesive and faithful Christian narrative grounded in scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, history, and archaeology.

He stressed that a pilgrim's journey should not conclude at the Jordan River alone, but should lead them to explore a broader Holy Land extending from Madaba and its mosaic map to Mount Nebo, Machaerus, the Sanctuary of Prophet Elijah, and other sacred Christian landmarks across the Kingdom.

The overarching objective is to interconnect these sites and present the narrative of Christianity in Jordan to the world not merely through stones and antiquities, but through a living Church and an authentic, enduring Christian presence, Atallah stated.

He remarked that Jordan stands before a historic opportunity for millions of Christians worldwide to recognize that the Kingdom is not a secondary stop on a pilgrimage route, but an essential part of the Holy Land, housing both the Jordan River and the authentic site of Christ's baptism.

Atallah noted that the ambition exceeds increasing visitor counts; it aims to build a holistic concept of Christian pilgrimage to Jordan, allowing travelers to experience a spiritual journey across multiple sites while engaging with the land's history, churches, people, and culture, turning 2030 into a true turning point for Jordan's prominence in global pilgrimage.

He added that the international Orthodox University of the Site of Baptism aligns with this vision, serving as a hub for science, knowledge, dialogue, and research near the Baptism Site, and acting as a pulpit transmitting the message of this land to the world.

"We want Christian children anywhere in the world, when learning about the baptism of Jesus Christ, to know that this event took place here, in Jordan, and for visiting the Baptism Site to become a dream for every Christian believer," Atallah said.

Concluding from the banks of the Jordan River, Metropolitan Atallah extended a message of faith, peace, and hope to the world, affirming that Jordan--under its Hashemite leadership, and with its people, churches, and institutions--is preparing to welcome the global community in 2030, not merely to witness a historical landmark, but to make a pilgrimage to the site of one of Christianity's greatest milestones.

He invited churches and Christians worldwide to become partners in this journey, urging them to visit Jordan and the Jordan River to discover a land rich in spiritual, humanitarian, and civilizational significance.

//Petra// AA