In 1921, the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCOR) was officially established to provide spiritual support for Russian emigrants who found themselves outside Soviet Russia. Among its notable initiatives was the creation of a girls’ school in the 1930s in Bethany, located above the tomb of Saint Lazarus. This school, which gained recognition for raising generations of young women in the spirit of Orthodox values and Russian cultural heritage, stands as a testament to the impact of ROCOR's initiatives.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Church and Monastery of Mary Magdalene in the Garden of Gethsemane became a spiritual and cultural haven for Russian emigrant communities, particularly those from France and Australia. The monastery, with its rich history and deep spiritual significance, not only offered a place of worship but also played a vital role in preserving the Orthodox faith and Russian traditions. This ensured that these communities, despite living far from their native land, remained deeply rooted in their spiritual and cultural identity.
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.
