King Abdullah, Patr. Theophilos Open Jordan’s First Christian University
A new Orthodox university at Christ’s baptism site aims to unite faith, scholarship, and interreligious dialogue in the Middle East.
JERUSALEM — His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Beatitude Patr. Theophilos III of Jerusalem inaugurated the Baptism Site International Orthodox University on May 18 at Al-Maghtas, the traditional site of Christ’s baptism on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. The university, described by its founders as Jordan’s first Christian university, is located at the UNESCO-recognized baptism site and is intended to serve students from across the Middle East and beyond.
The opening ceremony gathered members of Jordan’s Royal Family, Patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem, diplomats, clergy, scholars, and representatives of multiple religious communities. Church leaders described the university as a center dedicated not only to theological studies, but also to the humanities, ethical leadership, cultural engagement, and historical scholarship. Organizers said the institution seeks to unite faith and intellectual formation while preparing future leaders for service in a region facing ongoing conflict and social fragmentation.
During the inauguration, Patr. Theophilos praised King Abdullah’s custodianship of Christian and Muslim holy sites and called Jordan a pillar of Christian presence and interreligious coexistence in the Middle East. The university is also envisioned as a permanent center for Christian-Muslim dialogue and civilizational exchange between East and West.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Jerusalem Patriarchate celebrated the Forefeast of Theophany at the River Jordan.
