Left
Right
Pinsteps. The Church of All Nations: A Sanctuary of Prayer and Betrayal
Languages: ru, en

Standing on the hallowed ground of Jesus’ final prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations is a testament to the global Catholic community whose generous contributions brought it to life. The late 19th-century excavations unearthed the remnants of a Byzantine-era church and a Crusader chapel, both destroyed by Saladin. Renowned Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi crafted the church, weaving the ancient history of the site with the profound spiritual weight of Christ’s last moments before His Passion.

The church’s three-aisled design is rich in symbolism. The central aisle lies directly above the rock where, according to tradition, Jesus prayed in His anguish:

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:36–45)

This sacred rock is the heart of the church, surrounded by side aisles adorned with mosaic panels depicting pivotal events in Gethsemane: The Kiss of Judas, The Agony in the Garden, and “I Am He”. These vivid scenes evoke the themes of betrayal, suffering, and Christ's divine mission.

The church's architecture plays a crucial role in creating a spiritual atmosphere. The dim, filtered windows cast a twilight-like glow, enhancing the sense of sorrow, mystery, and the anticipation of resurrection. The maintained silence within the church encourages visitors to deeply reflect on the events of Jesus’ final night, fostering a profound spiritual connection to the Gospel’s enduring message.


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
Guides
List of trips including this place
Evgeny Praisman
Christian Sacred Sites of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem

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.

Discover routes near this place here!
Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
Don't waste time planning
Use detailed routes created by your friends and professionals. Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience
OK
Tweet
Share
Share
Send
Send