From the Mount of Olives, a breathtaking view of Jerusalem unfolds—the ancient city walls, the Lion’s Gate in the eastern wall of the Old City, and the start of the famed Via Dolorosa, the path believed to be the route Jesus took to his crucifixion. Yet, life in the heart of the Muslim Quarter of East Jerusalem and the effort to restore a Christian presence came with immense challenges and danger.
Joachim and Anastasia faced frequent hostility from the local population, enduring attacks and disputes over the land. According to an old Ottoman law, ownership of an olive tree implied ownership of the surrounding land, a rule that fueled constant legal battles with Arab claimants who contested their ownership of the monastery's land. On one occasion, Joachim was assaulted but miraculously survived thanks to a Russian pilgrim he had sheltered that night.
Tragically, not all were so fortunate. Anastasia lost her life at the entrance to their home while defending the monastery. In her memory, a small chapel was built, a solemn testament to her sacrifice and adorned with an icon of the Virgin Mary. The image symbolised the resilience and devotion that marked the struggle to preserve the Christian heritage of this sacred place.
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.
