Baptism Site International Orthodox University
جامعة المغطس الأرثوذكسية الدولية | |
| Established | May 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
Parent institution | Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem |
Religious affiliation | Eastern Orthodoxy |
| Location | , Jordan 31°50′49.13″N 35°34′59.67″E / 31.8469806°N 35.5832417°E |
| Language | ِArabic, English |
| Website | biou |
 | |
The Baptism Site International Orthodox University (BIO Uni) is a university in Al-Maghtas, Jordan, overseen by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Al-Maghtas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, believed to be the location of the baptism of Jesus. The institution is the first Christian university in Jordan. It was inaugurated in 2026 as part of Jordanian preparations for 2030, which will mark 2000 years since the baptism of Jesus.
The BIO University offers four undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with a capacity of 40 students, who will start their first academic year in October 2026.
History
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The university is located in Al-Maghtas, a UNESCO world heritage site where Christ is believed to have been baptized.[1] Its inception is linked to the Jordanian initiative to celebrate the 2,000 anniversary of Christ's baptism in the year 2030.[2] It is described as the first Christian university in Jordan.[3] The university's construction was funded by donations from King Abdullah II,[4] and businessmen Mark Voloshin, Samer Khoury, and Michel Sayegh.[5]
The BIO University was inaugurated by Jordanian King Abdullah II and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III on 18 May 2026, which was attended by various Jordanian government officials and church heads from Jordan.[1] At the inauguration, the patriarch described Jordan "as a living pillar of Christian presence, inter-religious dignity, and responsible stewardship in a region burdened by conflict, fragmentation, and spiritual displacement."[6] David Alexei, grandson of Mark Voloshin, said that the vision for the university has become reality thanks to King Abdullah's support.[7]
Academics
The university offers one undergraduate program and three graduate programs, with a total capacity of 40 domestic and international students.[8] It will welcome its first batch of students starting October 2026.[9]
The four programs offered are:[10]
- B.A. in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL)
- M.A. in Orthodox Canon Law
- M.A. in Spiritual Exchange and Christian Orthodox - Islamic Dialogue
- M.A. in Orthodox Spirituality
See also
References
- 1 2 "Jordan's first Christian university opens at UNESCO Baptism Site". World Council of Churches. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "Ecumenical and international: Orthodox university opens at the site of Jesus's baptism". AsiaNews. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "Jordan inaugurates first Christian university at Christ's baptism site". The Catholic Herald. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "King announces personal donation to found Baptism Site university, gild Dome of the Rock ornaments". Ammon News. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "Patriarch's Message". BIO Uni. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "King Abdullah II of Jordan and Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem Open Jordan's First Christian University at UNESCO Baptism Site". Jerusalem Orthodox Church. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "King inaugurates Baptism Site International Orthodox University, directs government to support Baptism 2030 Initiative". Petra News Agency. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "ماذا تعرف عن جامعة المغطس الأرثوذكسية الدولية؟". Alsaa (in Arabic). Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "دحابرة: جامعة المغطس الدولية تضم في مرحلتها الأولى 4 تخصصات رئيسية". Al Mamlaka. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
- ↑ "Academic programs". BIO Uni. Retrieved 20 August 2026.