The Tomb of the Virgin Mary, located in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, is a revered grotto accessed through a monumental staircase. According to tradition, dating back to the 3rd century CE, the apostle Thomas, absent at the time of the Virgin’s burial, later opened her tomb only to find it empty. Instead of her body, he discovered a crown of roses. Another account tells that the tomb was opened during the Sixth Ecumenical Council, revealing her burial shroud and girdle, affirming the Dormition of the Virgin, a belief in the Christian tradition that the Virgin Mary died a natural death and was later assumed into heaven.
The first church at this site was built during the reign of Saint Helena, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and survived until the 11th century. Though it withstood the Persian invasion with minimal damage, it was later destroyed by Caliph Al-Hakim, known for his hostility towards Christians. The destruction was a significant event in the history of the site, but in the 12th century, Queen Melisende of Jerusalem restored the church, a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of believers. She was laid to rest here, her grave marked by a medieval stone slab near the Orthodox chapel of Saints Anne and Joachim on the 24th step of the staircase.
When Saladin conquered Jerusalem, he preserved the site and permitted Muslims to worship there, underscoring its unique role in both Christian and Muslim traditions. Today, the tomb remains a sacred pilgrimage destination, a place where ancient traditions blend with living faith, drawing believers to its hallowed steps and offering a profound spiritual experience.
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.
