THE TOMB OF VIRGIN MARY GETHSEMANE JERUSALEM

A visit to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is mandatory for an Orthodox or Roman Catholic person making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. the Tomb of the Virgin Mary is located on the lower part of the famous Mount of Olives. The Virgin Mary (Mother of God) in the Orthodox tradition patronizes the entire Orthodox world and Russia.

CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY IN GETHSEMANE

The Orthodox Byzantine emperor Mauritius constructed the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but the Virgin Mary gained popularity soon after her death. According to Orthodox Christian tradition, the apostles buried the Mother of God next to her parents in Gethsemane. However, when Thomas, who was delayed en route, finally arrived to bid Mary farewell three days later, he discovered that the body was missing from the tomb.

However, most of the earliest temples on earth date back to a time before the division of the churches(5th century). The Mother of God's first temple was constructed several centuries before the schism(the separation of the Eastern and Western churches). Any Christian, regardless of whether they formally submit to the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, should make pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Gethsemane.

The Virgin's tomb, which is situated on the lower tiers, was unharmed even though Muslims repeatedly destroyed the Christian temple of the Assumption of the Virgin. Even the Saladin soldiers did not consider desecrating Mother Isa's grave during the bloodiest battles with Christians (Saint Mary is revered in all Islamic traditions).

MIRACULOUS TOMB OF THE VIRGIN MARY

The Virgin's tomb is situated underground, within the framework of a cross-shaped underground chapel. One of the few active underground churches from the time of the Byzantine period(fourth century). Even atheists go to Mary's tomb while on a trip to Jerusalem. The church is irreplaceable as both a historical and cultural landmark.

Being close to the miraculous icon of the Mother of God and the shroud in the church allows you to pray for intercession. This is not the only Christian artifact connected to St Mary's burial. For instance, pieces of Mary's girdle can be seen in various churches. Consequently, there is frequently some terminological ambiguity even among theologians.

In addition to the Eastern Orthodox church, a Muslim Mihrab that was probably constructed by the Turks is also close by. It is currently known that Turkish imams offered prayers there. Additionally, the church of the Virgin Mary served as a mosque. This was a common occurrence for the Turks. just think of the St. Sophia Cathedral, which has undergone multiple conversions into mosques.

You can see nine thrones as you get closer to Mary's tomb. They receive services not only from Greek Orthodox Church priests but also from Syrian, Armenian, and Coptic priests. Catholic services are not currently held inside the tomb of the Virgin Mary. But this subject came up repeatedly in the interfaith conversation at various levels.

The Virgin Mary's bed is where the main altar is located. Other altars can be found at the graves of the Virgin Mary's parents, the Orthodox saints Anna and Joachim, Queen Melisande of Jerusalem, and the first martyr Stephen. The throne of St. Nicholas and St Joseph the Betrothed, which is highly regarded by the Armenian apostolic church, is also located in the church as well.

There is enduring holiness about everything in this temple. However, in this case, it assumed a very unique historical form. As an illustration, much information regarding Baldwin II and Queen Melisande's reign has been preserved.

WHERE IS MOTHER MARY BURIED?

The Tomb of Mary is located in the Kidron Valley, between places profoundly significant in the Bible and Christian tradition, especially connections with Jesus Christ and his family's history in the Holy Land.

Specifically, St. Mary’s tomb lies near the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations, inside the Mount of Olives cemetery facing Jerusalem's Temple Mount and Old City walls.

The tomb's underground crypt location was established by Queen Melisende in the 12th century, who believed possible burial place of Mary mother of Jesus. Just to the south is the Tomb of the Virgin, thought to hold Mary’s parents Saints Joachim and Anne and Saint Joseph.

The proximity to the Garden of Gethsemane is highly symbolic as Holy Land tradition has Mary buried near the site associated with Christ's agonizing last prayers before the crucifixion. This illustrates Mary's closeness to her devout son's final hours.

Overall the Kidron Valley contains many churches and tombs of figures like Kings David, and Solomon plus holy women Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary. So St. Mary's tomb vicinity of these reflects her eminence.

POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE VIRGIN MARY BURIAL SITE

1. Do you need to book in advance to visit the Tomb of the Virgin Mary? no, the entrance is free and there are no tickets available to book in advance.

2. Witch hotels near the Tomb of the Virgin Mary?the popular hotels in the east part of Jerusalem such as the Seven Arches Hotel and Dan.

3. Why is the tomb of the Virgin Mary Sacred? According to the Sacred Tradition of Eastern Christianity, the Virgin Mary died a natural death (the Dormition of the Theotokos, or sleeping), just like any other human being. Her holy spirit was received by Christ at the time of her death, and on the third day after her repose, her body was raised and she was taken up into heaven.

4. How did Mother Mary die? Her passing is not mentioned in the New Testament, but according to a strong Eastern Christian tradition, which is accepted by Catholics as well, she first died a natural death known as the Dormition Abbey before having her body taken bodily into Heaven shortly after.

VIRGIN MARY TOMB JERUSALEM OPENING HOURS

It is possible to visit the Temple of the Virgin in East Jerusalem both on a pilgrimage and on a typical day trip to Israel. You can see the Orthodox Church controlled by the Greek Orthodox patriarchate, as well as other well-known Gethsemane landmarks, in addition to the Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin on Mount Zion .

The consecration of crosses and icons in the Virgin's Tomb may be ordered from here.

The Eastern Christian church of Virgin Mary is open every day from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with free entrance.

BOOK A PRIVATE CHRISTIAN JERUSALEM TOUR TO VISIT THE TOMB OF THE VIRGIN MARY