“the initiative seeks to preserve the site’s religious and historical character, strengthen Christian pilgrimage, and improve services while highlighting Jordan’s role in protecting Christian holy sites

“the protection of the Holy Places concerns not only Christian shrines but also the religious sites of other faiths

“Jordan will remain a guardian of religious heritage, a model for strengthening the values of peace, dialogue and tolerance, and a trusted partner in protecting holy sites and presenting them to the world in a manner that reflects their historical and spiritual truth.

“Christians are uniquely vulnerable because, unlike other religious minorities, their existence was never acknowledged by any of the Western-backed governments that existed between the Taliban being ousted in 2001 and their return in 2021

“Egypt became a refuge for Christ and the Panagia and remains a blessed land to this day

“What we see today is a practical step towards creating an integrated destination worthy of the sanctity of the site and embodying Jordans message of peace, dialogue and moderation,

“the presence of the relic would spiritually strengthen the faithful and reinforce their faith and devotion

Patriarch Kirill ›

Russian Patriarch

Reported