Nun Barbara Yakovleva remained steadfastly loyal to Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna until the end. Her extraordinary humility and devotion are encapsulated in the words she spoke when offered the chance to step away from danger:
“Wishing to share the fate of the arrested, given her advanced age and the monastery's rule not permitting the abbess to remain alone, I declare my willingness to submit to imprisonment under equal conditions with the other detainees. I fully accept the regime imposed by the Regional Council, pledging not to protest or seek release until the others are freed. Since this imprisonment is my choice, I commit to supporting myself from my means.”
These words reflect her profound commitment to her abbess and unshakable surrender to God’s will. Barbara’s ultimate act of self-denial and faith culminated in her martyrdom alongside Elizabeth, earning her a place among the New Martyrs of the Church.
Today, her relics rest in the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem, serving as a powerful reminder of unwavering faith, sacrifice, and the true Christian spirit. They stand as a tangible connection to her enduring legacy, inspiring all who visit.
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.
