We traveled a short distance from our hotel to the Israel/Jordan border to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) - the proven site for the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. It is located between Wadi Nimrin to the north and Wadi Gharaba to the south. It is directly across from Jericho, Israel. It is also associated with the ascension of the prophet Elijah to heaven. According to our guide, the area was discovered by Mohammad Waheeb in 1988 but he was unable to obtain success in locating the actual site until late 1996. UNESCO added it to the list of World Heritage sites in 2015.
The baptismal place of Jesus (the flat stones mark the exact location - it is the cross-road)
Again - showing the flat stones of the exact location
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese/St. John the Baptist Church, Jordan River.
Sticking my feet in the Jordan River. Can you see the cable in front of me? That is the Jordan/Israel border. The steps across from me is the Israel side of the river.
A couple in our group baptizing themselves. It was very touching. They are both from Russia but now live in Chicago. He is Orthodox and she is Catholic.
Again, you can see the cable marking the Israel/Jordan border.
I hope you've enjoyed my adventure. Now, I'm going to go float in the Dead Sea and swim for a bit. Until next time.
The baptismal place of Jesus (the flat stones mark the exact location - it is the cross-road)
Again - showing the flat stones of the exact location
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese/St. John the Baptist Church, Jordan River.
Sticking my feet in the Jordan River. Can you see the cable in front of me? That is the Jordan/Israel border. The steps across from me is the Israel side of the river.
A couple in our group baptizing themselves. It was very touching. They are both from Russia but now live in Chicago. He is Orthodox and she is Catholic.
Again, you can see the cable marking the Israel/Jordan border.
I hope you've enjoyed my adventure. Now, I'm going to go float in the Dead Sea and swim for a bit. Until next time.