In 1891, a Pilgrim House was established near the Church of Mary Magdalene to accommodate visitors to the Holy Land. This building, which continues to serve the community today, plays a crucial role in preserving the Orthodox heritage in Palestine. It now functions as an iconography workshop, a testament to its spiritual and cultural significance.
In 1903, a cemetery was created on the grounds for Russian pilgrims who passed away in Palestine. These pilgrims, often devout followers of the Orthodox faith, journeyed to the Holy Land to deepen their spiritual connection and to pay homage to the sacred sites. Among those buried here are notable figures such as Yakov Yegorovich Halebi, a loyal aide to Archimandrite Antonin Kapustin who significantly contributed to Russian missions in the Holy Land. The cemetery is also the resting place of Nikolai Romanovich Seleznev, who managed Russian properties in Jerusalem during the turbulent period following the Bolshevik Revolution, and Abbess Barbara, who led the monastic community until 1983.
This cemetery, a place of solemn remembrance and deep gratitude, stands as a testament to those who dedicated their lives to preserving Orthodox heritage in Palestine. It is a hallowed ground, a lasting tribute to their unwavering devotion and significant contributions to the faith.
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.
