Within the mosque at this sacred site lies an ancient sarcophagus inscribed with Greek text, a silent witness to the convergence of multiple religious traditions. Each faith ascribes its profound significance to the location, making it a unique tapestry of spiritual narratives.
In Jewish tradition, this is said to be the tomb of the prophetess Huldah (known as Oldama in Russian), one of the few women mentioned in the Tanakh for her divine insight. For Christians, the site is linked to Pelagia of Antioch, a repentant sinner from the 5th century CE whose life in Jerusalem exemplified a profound spiritual transformation, inspiring all who hear her story.
Muslim tradition associates the site with Rabi’a al-Adawiyya, a mystic and foundational figure in Sufism. Passing away in Jerusalem in 801 CE, Rabi’a is revered for her teachings on unconditional love for God, a concept that became central to Sufi philosophy.
Access to the mosque is restricted to Muslims, leaving this remarkable place hidden mainly from other pilgrims. Yet, it remains a symbolic crossroads of faiths, where stories of prophecy, repentance, and mysticism intertwine in a rich and complex historical fabric, adding depth to Jerusalem's spiritual and historical narrative.
The Mount of Olives, also known as Olivet, is not just a geographical landmark but a place of profound spiritual significance in the history of Christianity. This iconic ridge, serving as a natural border between Jerusalem and the Judean Desert, has been a witness to pivotal events in the Christian tradition. It was here that Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, prayed at the foot of the mountain in the Garden of Gethsemane, and ascended into heaven from its summit.
Our pilgrimage unfolds as we set out from the Monastery of the Ascension, a historic site perched atop the Mount of Olives. This site, with its Chapel of John the Baptist marking the miraculous second discovery of John the Baptist's head, sets the tone for our journey. We then continue to the Monastery of the Second Coming, a place steeped in the stories of John and Anastasia of Olivet, adding depth to our pilgrimage experience.
Next on our route is the Chapel of the Ascension, also known as the Dome of the Ascension or Imprint Chapel. Here, a stone bears what is believed to be Christ's footprint, left as He ascended into heaven. Nearby, we’ll pause to admire one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Jerusalem before descending towards the Garden of Gethsemane. While this path can be walked, we’ll traverse it by car as planned.
The Garden of Gethsemane awaits, home to ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of the Agony. This solemn and sacred space commemorates Christ’s prayer and suffering on the night of His betrayal. We’ll then ascend to the Church of Mary Magdalene, a striking symbol of Russian Jerusalem with its golden onion domes glinting in the sun.
Our final stop is the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, where the revered Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God is housed. This marks the conclusion of our pilgrimage, which began from Point 12, the entrance to the Monastery of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, and weaved through the sacred landmarks of this historic and spiritual landscape.
