Posted on 06/28/2012 6:56:20 AM PDT by marshmallow
Putin’s visit to the Middle East coincides with a massive new influx of immigrants to the Holy Land
His arrival in the Middle East comes at a time when Russia is showing the full extent of its political influence in the Syria problem. But Vladimir’s visit to Israel, Palestine and Jordan from Monday 25 to Tuesday 26 June will also be highly symbolic in religious terms. On the second day, the Russian president will stop off in Bethany Beyond the Jordan – in the land of the Hashemite Kingdom – for the official opening of the new hostel for Russian pilgrims at the Baptismal Site, the place along the Jordan river where according to ancient tradition Jesus was baptised.
This is not just about cutting the inaugural ribbon but about remembering a very precise chapter of Middle Eastern history. Indeed, until the Tsarist revolution, Russians had been the Holy Land’s most assiduous pilgrims.
(Excerpt) Read more at vaticaninsider.lastampa.it ...
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