At just seven years old, Joachim had a profound dream that would shape his destiny. In the vision, Jesus revealed to him that He had ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives and would return there at the Second Coming. This divine guidance set Joachim on a path of great significance, as he was chosen to prepare the place for Christ's return.
At the time, Joachim lived on the Greek island of Chios with his mother, Anastasia, an extraordinary woman. A teacher of the sciences and the mayor of her city, Anastasia was deeply devoted to her faith. When her son declared his desire to serve God, she saw it not just as a sign, but as a confirmation of his greater purpose, and she supported him wholeheartedly.
At 34, Joachim arrived in Jerusalem and began his ministry under Patriarch Diodoros. Settling with his mother in a house on the Mount of Olives, they undertook a monumental task. The site, neglected and forgotten, was transformed into a sacred space, a place of preparation for the prophecy of Christ’s return. Their dedication and hard work restored the Christian presence in this significant location.
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.
