Within the Chapel of the Ascension lies a stone that, according to tradition, bears the imprint of Jesus Christ’s foot from the moment of His Ascension. This relic, known affectionately as the Stopochka by 19th-century Russian pilgrims, is not just a stone, but a profound symbol of pilgrimage. Its historical significance and the weight of tradition it carries have made it a cherished symbol of pilgrimage, with visitors often bringing home clothes imprinted with the Stopochka as a blessing.
Medieval legends tell that the stone held initial impressions of Christ’s feet, but Muslims removed part of it and now reside in the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In the mid-19th century, the site became the centre of a heated dispute between the Russian Orthodox and Armenian Churches. After an earthquake damaged the chapel, Ottoman authorities allocated nearby land for an Armenian church. Tensions escalated until Emperor Nicholas I intervened, resolving the conflict and ensuring the status quo. The Armenian church was never built, preserving the balance of rights at the site.
Surrounding the chapel, the courtyard walls feature iron rings, which were used to erect tents for Christian denominations holding services during the Feast of the Ascension. These gatherings not only underscore the site’s interdenominational importance but also affirm its role as a shared space of devotion and reverence across faiths, fostering a sense of inclusivity and shared spiritual 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.
