The Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos, in the context of his official visit to Jordan, attended the Blessing of the Waters by the Metropolitan of Philadelphia Benedict, which took place at the Baptism site of Jordan River.

The Minister of National Defence, after the the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, made the following address:

“Most Reverend Metropolitan of Philadelphia,
         
I feel very honoured and greatly moved to be here with you today, on the banks of the river of Jordan, where the major event of the Baptism of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour by Saint John the Baptist, who was superior among men, as described in the Holy Gospels.

For us Christians, the Baptism of our Lord is extremely significant, as we have the apparition of the Holy Trinity. Our God of three hypostases demonstrated the Divine nature of his Second Hypostasis, the Incarnate Word of God. The Father and the Holy Spirit introduced to humanity the Savior of all men.

I would also like to underline the importance of the existence in the broader region of the primeval Jerusalem patriarchate, the vigilant guardian of the Holy Land and the Holy Relics of Christianity, a world class patriarchate as evidenced by the visits of pilgrims from around the world.
 
The Greek people recognize that you are committed to defend the Orthodox Tradition, armed with principles, virtue, faithfulness and the desire for unselfish and unflagging offer. You indisputably prove that, thanks to your ardour and faith, the Holy Land and the relics of Christianity and Orthodoxy will remain fadeless in this region, throughout the centuries.
     
Concluding, I would like to say that it is a special privilege for me to have the opportunity to convey the greetings and love of the Greek people to our Diaspora here, as well as to the fellow citizens of the Kingdom of Jordan.

Thank you.”