Dmitry Medvedev on the banks of the Jordan River

On January 19, the second day of his official visit to Jordan, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited the site where Jesus Christ is believed to have been baptized in the Jordan River and the spring of John the Baptist. Photo: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the spring during a visit to the historical and religious memorial The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ.

Dmitry Medvedev took several photographs.

Then the president went to the spring of John the Baptist itself and to the site where Jesus Christ was baptized.

The trail that leads there passes through a nature reserve where the ancient landscape has been preserved, and here the Russian president again asked for a camera.

Having visited the site where Christ was baptized, the president shared his impressions with reporters. He noted that it was “an interesting place for such an exchange.”

Dmitry Medvedev also visited the inn being built for Russian pilgrims on the Jordan River.

The president examined the general layout of the inn and inspected construction work being carried out on the main building, dining room and guest house.

Before the trip, he told reporters that he would certainly take a dip in the river, but that he would only immerse himself away from the prying eyes of the media. Photo: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on the feast day of Epiphany on the banks of the Jordan River.

Dmitry Medvedev on the feast day of Epiphany on the banks of the Jordan River.