Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Israel
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
—Bible, John 20:16
Czar Alexander III of Russia’s vision of a splendid church honoring his mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, named for Saint Mary Magdalene, on the Mount of Olives in Gethsemane (near where Jesus prayed), materialized as this incomparable Russian Orthodox church dedicated to the saint. Built in 1888, the Muscovite-style church is a notable landmark with a dazzling white sandstone facade, a circular blue and gold mosaic iconostasis of Mary Magdalene, a gabled roof adorned in faux lace trim, seven gilded domes crowned with crosses, and glorious sacred art, including the sixteenth-century icon of the Virgin with Child lovingly called Prompt Succor.
If you wish to see incredible sacred artistry or to summon the spiritual steadfastness of Mary Magdalene or the Divine succor of the Holy Mother, visit the Russian Church of Mary Magdalene. Travel to the church by rental car or local public transportation. Visiting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday.
As you explore this peaceful sanctuary, feel Mother Mary’s nurturing presence and Mary Magdalene’s indomitable spirit. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the comfort and support of your faith.
The church’s crypt contains the relics of the martyred Orthodox saint, the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia, and her niece, Princess Alice of Greece, mother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II and a rescuer of Jews during the Nazi occupation of Greece.