AMMAN
– HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, founder and chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global
(TAG.Global), visited the Baptism Site of Jesus  Christ (Al-Maghtas) on
the east bank of the Jordan River (Epiphany
Patriarchal Monastery), and was received by Metropolitan Venediktos, the
Patriarchal Representative in
Bethlehem and the  , the Orthodox
community in Jordan and all Christians in restoring the Site in accordance with
the Royal vision, since it is considered an archeological world heritage site
and a religious tourist destination.

For
his part, Metropolitan Venediktos welcomed Dr. Abu-Ghazale’s visit,
commending the role he plays in supporting Jordan's Christian communities in
various areas based on his message of love, his vision of a better world and
his support for the restoration of the monastery. He also presented to Dr.
Abu-Ghazaleh a symbolic gift to express the monastery's gratitude for his
ceaseless efforts.

At
the end of the visit, the Jordanian Media advisor,
Mr. Fuad Al-Karsheh, gave a brief about the role of the Roman Church in the
Holy Land and the restoration and development of the Baptism site since 2000.
In addition, he highlighted the efforts of the Orthodox Church and Bishop
Venediktos in turning an arid place into a green landscape, stressing the
importance of reconstructing the monasteries in such a unique and sacred place to become as it was hundreds of years ago, in order to
receive Christian pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

He
went on to highlight the ongoing follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, chief advisor for Religious and
Cultural Affairs and Personal Envoy of His Majesty King Abdullah II and
Chairman of Board of Trustees of Baptism Site Commission, on all details and
needs related to the religious Site.