COMPLETION OF THE RESTORATION PROJECT AT THE MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST BY THE RIVER JORDAN

The Jerusalem Patriarchate – 24/4/18

On Tuesday April 4/17, 2018, there was a ceremony at the Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist, by the West Bank of the River Jordan, on the occasion of the completion of the restoration project, after the damage the Monastery suffered during the six-day war in 1967.

The restoration project of the Church and its adjacent rooms was undertaken with the architectural advice and work of the Architect of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mr. Theodosios Mitropoulos, the supervision of the Master of Ceremonies Archimandrite Bartholomew and the funding of the Hegoumen of the Monastery of Sarantarion Mount, Fr. Gerasimos. Today the project was concluded with the installation of water and electricity supply with the permission and co-operation of the Israeli Army of Civilian Administration.

The ceremony was honoured by the presence of H.H.B. our Father and Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, Geronda Secretary-General Most Reverend Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Dragouman Archimandrite Mattheos, the Hegoumen of the Monastery Archimandrite Bartholomew, the Hegoumen of the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elijah Archimandrite Philoumenos, and the Patriarchate’s Press representative in the Arabic language, Dean Priest Fr. Issa Mousleh. On behalf of the Military Administration, the ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Military General in Jericho region and his Military associates, and Mr. Caesar Marjie, who received His Beatitude’s thanks for their support and co-operation.

With the completion of this project, the Monastery is accessible and open to pilgrims on their way to the Lord’s Baptism Site. Visiting hours are 09.00 to 14.30 daily. On Saturdays the Monastery remains closed for visitors.

Contact telephone number: 00972 543758798

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