At the entrance of the church, the revered icon of Saint John of Shanghai stands, a symbol of the unity of the Russian Orthodox Church in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution. His life was a testament to unwavering service, particularly to the Russian émigré community, which he served with dedication and compassion, scattered across the globe.
After escaping the turmoil of revolutionary Russia, Saint John sought refuge in Yugoslavia, where he embarked on his unwavering spiritual mission. His journey led him to become the spiritual leader of the Russian Orthodox community in Shanghai, a diaspora of nearly 50,000 people. Despite the challenges, his guidance and compassion fostered a sense of home in a foreign land.
In the latter part of his life, he continued his ministry in San Francisco, providing spiritual leadership and solace to the Russian Orthodox faithful. His icon now graces the church as a testament to his enduring legacy—a symbol of faith, resilience, and the unifying power of service that continues to inspire and guide us.
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.
