The Periodic Meeting of Priests Begins at the International Orthodox Baptismal University
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese / Media Center
Dead Sea, Thursday, July 16, 2026
At the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Christophoros, Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan, the periodic meeting of priests of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jordan was held at the Marriott Hotel – Dead Sea on Monday, July 13, 2026. This followed a field visit by the priests to the International Orthodox Baptismal University at the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, where they toured the university’s facilities and departments and received a detailed explanation of its academic vision and humanitarian mission.
At the start of the visit, His Eminence Archbishop Christophoros welcomed the priests to the university campus, emphasizing that this historic project was a long-awaited dream that has now become a reality thanks to the blessing of His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, and the Hashemite patronage that has ensured its establishment. He described it as an academic and spiritual beacon emanating from the holiest site in Jordan, the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Father Dr. Bishara Dahabra, the university’s Director General for Administrative and Educational Affairs, presented a comprehensive overview of the university’s founding stages. He explained that it represents an unprecedented achievement in the history of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and that its mission transcends the traditional academic framework, aiming to be an open, humanistic university that integrates diverse sciences, fosters dialogue and cultural exchange, and originates from the very place where the message of salvation spread to the world.
During his address to the priests, Metropolitan Christophoros emphasized that the university’s doors would be open to all members of the Church and clergy wishing to pursue further studies, based on clear academic principles and rigorous evaluation by specialized committees. This would provide priests and researchers with the opportunity to obtain an accredited university education within a distinguished ecclesiastical and spiritual environment.
His Eminence noted that the university is attracting increasing international attention, with significant progress being made toward collaboration and academic recognition from institutions and universities in Greece, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This strengthens its academic standing and its mission of engaging with the world.
Following the tour, everyone proceeded to the Marriott Hotel at the Dead Sea, where the priests’ periodic meeting was held. His Eminence began the meeting by congratulating the priests on the Feast of the Holy Apostles, addressing the most recent ecclesiastical and pastoral developments, and offering his paternal guidance on various matters of ministry.
His Eminence also answered the priests’ inquiries and listened to their observations and comments on a number of pastoral and educational issues, emphasizing the importance of working in a spirit of unity, love, and cooperation, and of continuing to develop church services to meet the needs of the parishioners and preserve the Church’s mission and Orthodox identity.
The meeting concluded with an extensive dialogue that addressed a number of intellectual, pastoral, and educational issues in a fraternal and spiritual atmosphere characterized by love and candor. Participants affirmed the importance of continuing their joint work to serve the Church and its members and to strengthen its mission in Jordan.
