THE TOMB OF VIRGIN MARY GETHSEMANE JERUSALEM
A visit to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is obligatory for an Orthodox or Catholic person making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. the Tomb of the Virgin is located on the lower part of the famous Mount of Olives. The Virgin Mary (Mother of God) in the Orthodox tradition is the patroness of 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 Christian doctrine, 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.
The Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives is one of the most popular stops on excursions to Jerusalem (it is located near the Old City). Along with the Catholic Basilica of the Agony of the Lord, there is also the Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
However, the majority of the earliest temples on earth date back to a time before the division of the churches. Several centuries before the schism(the separation of the eastern and western churches), the Mother of God's first temple was constructed. 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 (the Virgin 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. Even atheists go to Jerusalem while on a trip. 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 the Virgin 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 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 Our Lady's tomb. They receive services not only from Orthodox 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 Joseph the Betrothed, which is highly regarded by the Armenian 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 Queen Melisande's reign has been preserved.
It is possible to visit the Temple of the Virgin in Jerusalem both on a pilgrimage and on a typical day trip to Israel. You can see the Orthodox Church, as well as other well-known Gethsemane landmarks, in addition to the Catholic monastery 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.
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
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 soul 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 Bible, but according to Orthodox tradition, which is accepted by Catholics as well, she first died a natural death known as the Dormition of Mary before having her body taken bodily into Heaven shortly after.
VIRGIN MARY TOMB JERUSALEM OPENING HOURS
The church of virgin mary is open every day from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 17 p.m., with free entrance
BOOK A PRIVATE CHRISTIAN JERUSALEM TOUR TO VISIT THE TOMB OF THE VIRGIN MARY