Before entering the church, visitors are welcomed by the serene shade of majestic cypress trees on the monastery grounds. Simple tables and benches, crafted by the diligent hands of the nuns, offer a peaceful spot to rest, share a meal, or quench your thirst with cool water. Yet, beneath this tranquil setting lies a history of resilience shaped by trials and renewal.
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 brought immense challenges to the monastery. Cut off from Russia, pilgrimages ceased, leaving the community without essential support. Clergy and senior sisters were exiled to Egypt as Palestine, under Ottoman rule, sided against Russia. To prevent destruction, the Spanish consul played a crucial role by sealing the Church of the Ascension, preserving it from harm. Monastic life came to a halt, but Patriarch Damian of Jerusalem offered protection. It wasn’t until 1919 that exiled sisters and clergy returned from Alexandria. They found the monastery in ruins, lacking food, clothing, and even shoes. Survival meant labouring on road construction projects and enduring hardship to rebuild their spiritual home.
A turning point came in 1924 when Archbishop Anastasius (Gribanovsky) of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad was tasked with overseeing the mission in Jerusalem. His leadership was instrumental in reviving monastic life. Over a decade, his guidance and dedication brought about a resurgence in the monastery. In the 1950s, Russian émigré pilgrims began to arrive, offering vital support. The monastery’s resurgence continued into the 1990s as ties with Russia were reestablished. New sisters from Russia joined the community, enriching its spiritual vitality.
Today, the monastery thrives as a haven for nuns from Russia, the Russian diaspora, Palestinian locals, and Romanians. This diverse community united in faith, is a testament to the enduring strength and faith that have defined the Ascension Monastery for over a century. Daily services in Church Slavonic echo through its halls, and pilgrims worldwide are again drawn to this sacred place, feeling a sense of inclusion and connection.
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.
