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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, met with a delegation comprising the heads of Orthodox churches of the world, who are visiting the Kingdom to perform a historic pilgrimage to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ in the Jordan Valley days after Pope Francis made a historic visit to the Kingdom and performed pilgrimage in the Baptism Site , Petra News Agency.

His Majesty stressed Jordan's keenness on the Christian historical presence in the Palestinian territories and the Middle East, and especially in the holy city of Jerusalem.

King Abdullah told the delegation that their gathering in the Baptism Site is of paramount historic importance and that the past few days were a message of coexistence and tolerance, adding: "This is what was sought by His Majesty the late King Hussein, and what I am trying it myself and what we all seek that we unite together as brothers in order to defend Jerusalem and its holy sites, so I am pleased to meet you today."

He said:" From my point of view, the challenges Jerusalem faces are of concern to all churches , and my duty is to work with my brothers here to enhance your presence and your communities not only in the Middle East, but also in the West Bank and in Jerusalem in particular."

"In my capacity as guardian of the holy places in Jerusalem, and as a brother for you, you have my full support for all the Orthodox churches and I will do everything in my power to stand by your side, and my brothers who know me well, know the extent of my commitment to this."

His Majesty emphasized that Jordan is a distinctive model for fraternity and coexistence between Muslims and Christians, noting Jerusalem's importance and its status as a symbol of coexistence in the region between the followers of different divine religions.

The King underlined the important role the heads of the Orthodox churches can play in promoting shared values between monotheistic religions as well as the church role in spreading the message of harmony, love and peace for the welfare and interest of the human society and achieving greater convergence between the different cultures and peoples .

King Abdullah said Pope Francis's visit to the Kingdom is an important step on the path towards cementing the bonds of brotherhood and tolerance between Muslims and Christians and promoting the message of peace, which all religions call for.

On behalf of the heads of Orthodox churches, Patriarch of the Holy City, Theophilos III, thanked His Majesty the King for meeting with them and said it reflected His Majesty's keenness on promoting harmony and brotherhood between religions and also reflected Jordan's spirit of understanding and co-existence and mutual respect between Muslims and Christians.

The Patriarch added that today's meeting was a confirmation of the deep-rooted relationship between Muslims and Christians religiously, culturally and socially, which dates back to the era of Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab and Patriarch Sophronius, and has been strengthened now, thanks to the efforts of His Majesty the King.

He said:" Everyone knows that your Majesty is not a custodian of holy Muslim sites only, but also on Christian sites."

In turn, the heads of the Orthodox churches appreciated His Majesty the King's efforts in promoting the values of brotherhood, tolerance and peace and his sponsorship of initiatives between Muslims and Christians.