The Church of Mary Magdalene is a Russian Orthodox church located on the Mount of Olives, near the  Garden of Gethsemane.

History of the Church

Constructed in 1886, The Church of Mary Magdalene has a traditional Russian ecclesiastical design, including a tented roof and onion-shaped domes. In 1920, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and her fellow nuns were buried in the church. In 1988, Princess Alice, her relative, was buried there as well. Over the years, her grandsons, Prince Charles and Prince William, visited the church. Near the church steps carved in the rock are believed to have been used by Jesus when residing in Bethany.

The Interior of the Church

The beauty of the Maria Magdalena Church is predominantly external. Its interior is rather unassuming, yet its main wall bears a painting of Alexander Ivanov, a prominent 19th-century Russian artist. Commissioned by Elizabeth Fyodorovna, the artwork depicts Mary Magdalene holding a red egg before the Roman emperor Tiberius. According to Eastern Christian tradition, Tiberius mocked her for claiming Jesus rose from the Dead, comparing it to a white egg turning red. In return, an egg Mary held by Mary turned red.

The church also houses an icon named “Hudigitria,” brought from Lebanon and renowned for its medicinal properties.

Visiting the Church

The church is open to the public only twice a week for several hours. A modest dress code is required.

A tour of the Church can be combined with a day tour of Jerusalem.