The most striking feature of the Ascension Monastery is its towering 64-metre bell tower, famously known as the "Russian Candle." As the tallest church structure in Jerusalem, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Dead Sea, and the lands beyond the Jordan. On a clear day, binoculars reveal even the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. The resounding chime of its 14 bells carries spiritual joy across the landscape, a testament to the achievements of the Russian Orthodox Mission in the Holy Land.
Central to its history is the main bell, weighing an impressive 5 tonnes and measuring over two metres in diameter. Donated by A.V. Ryazantsev, a merchant from Solikamsk and a friend of Archimandrite Antonin, the bell arrived in Jaffa by steamship in 1885. From there, an extraordinary effort ensued: over seven days, pilgrims—primarily women—carried the massive bell up the Mount of Olives by hand. This event, marked by collective joy, became a defining moment in the monastery’s history.
The monastery grounds also house the Residence of the Head of the Russian Mission, once home to a museum, two cemeteries, and picturesque olive and pine groves. The bell tower, with its profound echoes—fondly called "thick" by Archimandrite Antonin—remains a symbol of Russian presence in the Holy Land, filling the hearts of visitors and pilgrims with awe and reverence.
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.
