Baptism site - jordan- bethany beyound the jordan or Al-Maghtas as it is known here in Jordan. The site, as mentioned in the book of John, is also known by other names. It is Beth-Abara ', referring to Joshua and Elijah crossings of the river, and Arabic Bible translations call it Beit 'Anya. Some Greek Bible texts call it Bethania and we find reference to the same area as Beth-Barah (Judges 7:24-25) in the Old Testament. It is where the heavens opened twice, once to receive Elijah, and then again after the baptism of Jesus Christ. The baptism site has been authenticated and recognized by most heads of churches in the world as well as many scholars studying the physical and biblical data available today. The site is one of three holiest of the Christian faith with an amazing wealth of religious history. Bethany Beyond the Jordan, was an important stop on the ancient pilgrims' route connecting Bethlehem and Jerusalem west of the river Jordan to Mount Nebo in the east, and is still visited by pilgrims today.