You're reading: Russian president takes dip in Jordan River

The Russian media says President Dmitry Medvedev has taken a dip in the Jordan River in commemoration of Jesus' baptism.

RIA Novosti and ITAR-Tass say Medvedev was dunked three times — in line with Orthodox tradition — at a site in western Jordan where Jesus is said to have been baptized by John the Baptist.

No other details were available.

Two Jordanian officials said Wednesday’s event was closed to the media at the request of Russian officials, who said the president wanted privacy. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to brief the press.

Earlier, an official said Medvedev would not take a dip, but would instead have a priest splash him with river water in a symbolic commemoration of the baptism.