OREANDA-NEWS. April 3, 2008. Amman, Jordan, a solemn ceremony was held during which the first stone was laid for a pilgrims’ home near the spot where Jesus Christ was christened in the Jordan River. Vladimir Kozhin, Chief of Affairs for the President of the Russian Federation, lead the delegation from Russia. Minister of Tourism Mara Al-Khatib and prominent public and governmental figures empowered by His Highness Prince Ghazi Ibn Mokamed, represented the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

A capsule with an address to future generations was laid with the foundation for the pilgrims’ home.

Under agreement with the Moscow Patriarchy, the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation commissioned Stroytransgaz to build the pilgrims’ home. The company has considerable experience erecting diverse objects in the Near East. Stroytransgaz, as general contractor, will carry out design and construction of the home as a charitable endeavor.

In June 2006, at the initiative of King Abdullah II of Jordan, the Board of Trustees of the Christening Place decided to organize a pilgrimage of orthodox adherents from Russia on the eastern bank of the Jordan River where, presumably, Jesus was christened. The Russian Federation was given a one-hectare site, for an unlimited term and without cost, on which to build the home for pilgrims.

The decision to erect the pilgrims’ home was made after President of Russia Vladimir Putin visited the Christening Place of Jesus Christ museum-park in February 2007.