In 1870, Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission, purchased plots of land on the Mount of Olives, laying the foundation for a church dedicated to the Ascension. This act was a significant milestone in the sacred history of the Mount, which stretches back centuries. The first structure tied to the Ascension was commissioned by Empress Helena in 330—a basilica named 'Eleona,' built above a cave where Christ is said to have taught His disciples. Today, this site houses the Carmelite Monastery, a testament to the Mount's enduring significance.
In 385, the pilgrim Egeria described a circular chapel marking the site of the Ascension. This later became a mosque, preserving a stone bearing Christ’s footprint. By the late 4th century, the Mount had blossomed into a monastic centre, playing a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. Pioneers like Melania the Elder and Melania the Younger established monasteries and hospices, while Saint Pelagia the Recluse found her spiritual home here until she died in 457.
The Mount also yielded remarkable relics. Twice, the head of John the Baptist was discovered here—first by the ascetic Innocent, then by monks en route to Constantinople. Monastic life on the Mount thrived by the 5th and 6th centuries, boasting 24 churches, as noted in The Lausiac History. However, in 614, Persian invaders devastated the region, killing over a thousand and destroying its sanctuaries, leaving a profound mark on the Mount's history.
Despite efforts to rebuild, tragedy persisted. Caliph Hakim razed the 'Eleona' basilica in the 11th century. The Crusaders later restored some churches, but following Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem in 1187, Christian life on the Mount dwindled. The sacred sites fell into decline, leaving behind a powerful memory of the Mount’s once-vital role in the spiritual and historical fabric of the Holy Land, a role that cannot be overstated.
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.
