Jerusalem Patriarch Feofil II visited the Russian Orthodox monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane, where he took part in the festive liturgical celebrations for the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene.

According to the website of the Jerusalem Church, the Patriarch blessed the abbess, Mother (Hegoumenia) Elizabeth, the sisters of the monastery, and the faithful gathered for prayer. He was accompanied by Metropolitan Cyriacus of Nazareth, Archbishop Aristarchus of Constantinople, Archimandrite Christodoulos, and Archdeacon Mark. The Patriarch was received by leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), including Metropolitan Mark of Berlin, Bishop Iov of Stuttgart, and Archimandrite Roman, the monastery’s abbot.

After the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Feofil joined a cross procession around the monastery. The celebrations were attended by clergy and by Anatoly Viktorov, Russia’s ambassador to Israel.

Addressing the sisters, the Patriarch emphasized the special significance of Saint Mary Magdalene for Christians. He said she is an example of fidelity to Christ, noting that even in the darkest moments—during the Lord’s suffering and burial—she did not leave Him, and was the first to receive the news of the Resurrection.

“Saint Mary Magdalene remains for us an example of faith, hope, and love for Christ,” the head of the Jerusalem Church said, wishing the monastery community God’s help and the prayerful intercession of its heavenly patron.

The Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane is one of the best-known Russian Orthodox shrines in Jerusalem. The convent lies on the slope of the Mount of Olives, in the Gethsemane garden, near places associated with the final earthly days of Jesus Christ.

The church dedicated to Mary Magdalene was built in the late 19th century at the initiative of Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem. A plot of land for the construction was purchased in 1882, and the project was prepared by architect David Grimm. The church was laid in 1885 and consecrated in 1888 by the Jerusalem Patriarch in the presence of members of the Russian imperial family.

Construction was supported by Russian benefactors, including Emperor Alexander III. Funds were also contributed by members of the imperial family and donors from Russia.

A notable chapter in the monastery’s history is the commemoration of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna Romanova, founder of the Marfo-Mariinsky Convent in Moscow, who was killed in 1918. In 1921 her remains were transferred to Jerusalem and laid to rest in the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, together with her attendant-sister Varvara.

In the 20th century, a women’s Orthodox community formed around the church. In 1934, a monastic community was established in the name of the Resurrection of Christ, and later full monastery life developed. In 1988, in connection with the centenary of the church’s consecration, the Gethsemane community was granted the status of a monastery. Today, the sisters carry out a range of ministries including assisting in services, helping pilgrims, and caring for children.